ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, SportsSilent Stroke Warning

A silent stroke has no warning and no symptoms.

And most people are unaware they even suffered a stroke.

Now, a new study links "silent strokes" to memory loss in the elderly.

Columbia University researchers performed MRI brain scans on nearly 700 people....ages 65 and older.

Participants also underwent tests to measure their language, information processing abilities, and visual perception.

Results show those who suffered a silent stroke, had small spots of dead brain cells, and scored somewhat worse on memory tests.

Researchers say the findings could lead to the development of new interventions and support stroke prevention as a means for staving off memory problems.

Geriatrician, Dr. Ronan Factora said, "Important things like diet, exercise, these are things you can control, your cholesterol and blood pressure, those are all key components of disease management, as well. Those can all have a role in terms of prevention of stroke."

Complete findings for this study are in the journal "Neurology."