Ageism, Strokes and Scans

A study in the UK is showing that many healthcare clinics are shunning aging
stroke patients. The notion of ageism has taken ground in the UK health
system according to some reports. The study which was reported on by the
Telegraph said that younger stroke patients are given more follow-up MRI
scans and treatments as opposed to more senior patients.

The Telegraph story said, "They were also "significantly" more likely to be
given advice on how to lose weight and other lifestyle tips to reduce their
chances of suffering another stroke, despite evidence that older patients
benefit as much from such advice. Last year a study by Oxford University
showed that ageism was preventing many elderly people from receiving heart
treatments, including clot-busting drugs, routinely given to younger
patients."

Strokes are generally one of the top three killers in Britain and the US,
and often stroke patients are left disabled after the debilitating disease.
Meaning a large portion of those left disabled need physio treatment and
rehabilitation, but are sadly not given such treatments.

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