With an estimated 795,000 people having had a stroke last year, this condition is one of the biggest concerns for seniors.  If someone does have a stroke, the road to recovery is often long and difficult.  As a caregiver, knowing the signs that a stroke is happening can get the emergency call out faster and reduce some of the damage.  So if a senior suddenly starts acting strangely, think FAST:

F – Face.  Look at the senior’s face. Does one side appear to be drooping?  If they try to smile, does it look crooked?
A – Arms.  Have the senior lift both of their arms at the same time.  Does one raise higher or faster than the other?
S – Speech. Have the senior talk to you.  Is their speech slurred?  Does what they are saying not make sense?  Are they unable to speak?

T – Time.  If you have noticed the signs above, you need to act quickly.  Every moment that an area of the brain is not getting adequate blood supply could mean permanent brain cell death.  Call 911 immediately and explain the situation.
Identifying a stroke is important, but so is preventing one.  Strokes have many causes, but they are all related to cardiovascular health.  Eating right, avoiding salt, and regular exercise can keep the cardiovascular system running smoothly and reduce the chance of having to remember to think FAST.
Source: Sunrise Senior Living