The month of June is National Aphasia Awareness Month. This means, as dental sleep medicine specialists, we need to make sure our patients are staying on top of their health by treating sleep apnea and other symptoms in prevention of stroke. As you know, stroke is the number five cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the U.S. And a stroke can have a variety of communication effects, one of which is aphasia. Stroke is the most common cause of aphasia, which is a language disorder that affects the ability to communicate.
Raise Awareness for Aphasia
Let’s use June to help increase public education around this language disorder and to recognize the numerous people who are currently living with or caring for people with aphasia. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association continues to increase awareness for aphasia by sharing communication tips, the effects of having aphasia, assistive devices for those with aphasia and more.
The Connection with Sleep Apnea
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women. But what you may not realize is that sleep apnea can lead to heart attacks, which can cause people to die in the middle of the night due to low oxygen or the stress of waking up frequently during sleep.
The relationship between sleep apnea, hypertension, stroke and heart disease is very strong. It is vital that everyone understand this connection to further prevent the development of aphasia as well. Sleep apnea can be easily treated to prevent stroke, aphasia and other comorbidities. It is more important than ever to receive continuing education to further improve your patients’ well-being and health.
When patients receive up-to-date health care, you are taking preventative steps, but we still have a ways to go. Start today by educating your patients on the risks of untreated sleep apnea, stroke and aphasia.
