Older people across the UK demonstrate worryingly low levels of stroke awareness

On the International day of Older People, The Stroke Association announces some worrying survey findings which show that just under half of the UK's older population would wait 24 hours or more to take action if someone was experiencing the symptoms of a stroke, leaving them susceptible to severe disability or death.

An NOP survey commissioned by The Stroke Association found that just over half of over 65's would call 999 immediately if symptoms of stroke were present - less than any other age group questioned. This is despite the fact that three quarters of all strokes happen to people over the age of 65. This age group were most likely to wait and see how the symptoms developed and would prefer to contact their GP within 24 hours.

Joe Korner is Director of Communications at The Stroke Association: "The results of this survey are very concerning. A stroke is a brain attack which strikes without warning, it can kill, leave you paralysed, unable to speak or blind. It is vital that people of all ages are able to correctly identify the warning signs of a stroke and this can be done using the FAST test."

FAST requires an assessment of three specific symptoms of stroke.

Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Test all three symptoms

If the person has failed any one of these tests, then act FAST and call 999.

A stroke is a brain attack and time lost is brain lost. Ideally a patient should receive a brain scan within three hours from the onset of symptoms to minimise brain damage.

The survey also reveals that less than two thirds of the over 65's were able to identify that a stroke is a blocked blood vessel in the brain or bleeding in the brain. A distinct lack of knowledge was also demonstrated regarding the symptoms of stroke.

A stroke affects people in different ways and whilst the over 65's were familiar with communication problems (71%) and mobility problems (82%), just 11% identified swallowing problems, 9% recognised changes to behaviour and personality and 14% identified visual problems.

Korner concludes: "Of all people that have a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first ten days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left with disabilities and needing rehabilitation. However this rule of thirds could and should be broken if stroke is treated as a medical emergency."

The International Day of Older People was set up by the United Nations and aims to promote older people in a positive light. It illustrates the many ways in which they contribute to society, the economy, to our neighbours and families, and to the social stability of our communities.
ENDS

For further information please contact the Media Team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 1500 or email the Press Office

Notes to editor

1. The Stroke Association is the only UK charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. The charity funds research into prevention, treatment, better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services which include communications support, family and carer support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. The Stroke Association also campaigns, educates and informs to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society acting as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.

2. A stroke is a brain attack which causes brain damage. A stroke can be diagnosed by using FAST - Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Test all three. If any of these symptoms are present call an ambulance straight away.

3. The Stroke Helpline provides information on stroke to the general public and is open between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday on 0845 3033 100

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