Stroke lectures
One in six suffer from stroke.
Tallaght Hospital hosts free public lectures on the emotional and physical effects of stroke.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Ireland, responsible for the death of more people than all the common cancers combined. Additionally 30,000 people are living with disability post stroke. Stroke or brain attack can forever alter our world and how we view our place in the world. To inform the public about stroke, Tallaght Hospital (AMNCH) is running a series of lectures on Friday the 28th of October as part of World Stroke Awareness Day. Members of the public are invited to attend the free lectures beginning at 5.p.m in the Hospital’s Education Centre.
Four out of five families will be affected by stroke over the course of a lifetime. Simone Carlton Neuropsychologist, National Rehabilitation Hospital in DunLaoghaire will be discussing the psychological challenges faced by stroke survivors and their families. While it is essential that the physical impairments associated with stroke are attended to, it is also vital that mental and emotional well being isn’t neglected as they are crucial to recovery. Between 20-50% of survivors experience depression and over one third have cognitive problems. Stroke is the second major cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s.
While depression is the most common emotional change after stroke, other psychological changes can be equally debilitating and frustrating for both the survivor and their loved ones. Other consequences of stroke for survivors and their families is communication impairment. A person’s capacity to and the manner in which they communicate is key to their identity and losing their ability to do this effectively can have a massive impact on how survivors view themselves.
Ian Wilson will be speaking about his experiences composing a piece of work for string quartet and soprano based on the experience of AMNCH patients with stroke and the healthcare workers who treated them. Also speaking will be Chris Macey, the Irish Heart Foundation Head of Advocacy about his efforts to improve services for stroke survivors and their families.
One in six people will suffer a stroke during their lifetime. Tallaght Hospital believes these talks will provide the public with help, support and information about the effect of stroke. Patients who have been successfully treated for stroke in Tallaght Hospital during 2010 be will be present at the event.
ENDS
Note for editors: Dr. Ronan Collins, Consultant Physician in Older Adult and Stroke Medicine in Tallaght Hospital is available for interview. A patient is also available for interview alongside Dr. Collins.
For further information please contact Laoise O’ Murchu, Communications Manager, Tallaght Hospital, Tel (01) 4145918.
