The Stroke Association response to The Mental Capacity Bill.

A quarter of a million people are living with long-term disability as a result of stroke. Stroke has a greater disability impact than other chronic disease and causes a greater range of disabilities than any other condition. Many people are unaware that stroke can also cause dementia and depression in patients, increasing their vulnerability even more.

The Stroke Association advocates independent living for stroke patients and therefore fully supports The Mental Capacity Bill, which will empower people to make their own decisions. For people who lack capacity to do so, clarification on who should make decisions on their behalf is welcomed and will provide further protection against neglect and mistreatment.



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For additional press information please contact the Media team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 0328/1515 or by e-mail at press office
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Notes to editor

Notes to Editor:

1. Each year over 130,000 people in England and Wales have a stroke. Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation. Stroke has a greater disability impact than any other medical condition. A quarter of a million people are living with long-term disability as a result of stroke in the UK.

2. The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. It funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services. These include dysphasia support, family support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. We also campaign, educate and inform to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society and we act as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.

3. A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. When the blood supply is disrupted, parts of the brain become damaged or destroyed. Some strokes are fatal whist others can cause permanent or temporary paralysis to one side of the body and loss of the ability to speak, read or write. Recovery may be slow and can vary from person to person

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