Types of Dementia

A "stroke" is said to occur when a person has a sudden interruption of the blood supply to a part of the brain and the brain tissue Tissue
A group of cells that all have a similar function and structure. being supplied by that blood dies. Strokes have many causes, but in older persons the most common cause is a blood clot Clot
See blood clot. in the brain or the neck. Clots that block blood supply to large arteries Arteries
A blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body often result in noticeable signs, such as paralysis Paralysis
An inability to move part of the body. . Often, however, especially when stroke occurs from blockages from very small vessels, the only signs are that someone has problems with thinking, language or behaviour.

Interestingly, many risk factors for stroke (such as high blood pressure High blood pressure
When the blood circulates through the body with too much force. or high cholesterol Cholesterol
A type of fat which occurs naturally in our bodies and is also found in animal fat.) also seem to be risk factors for Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease
A neurological disease that affects memory and behaviour. It is characterized by beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. There is no known cause but genetics and lifestyle are thought to play a role..

For more information, please visit the American Stroke Association web site: http://www.strokeassociation.org/ or the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Canada website: http://www.heartandstroke.ca