The Newsletter of Valley Medical Center s Neuroscience Institute s Stroke Center

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1 SHARE WITH A FRIEND! Stroke SURVIVOR Stroke Center Living and thriving in a post-stroke world The Newsletter of Valley Medical Center s Neuroscience Institute s Stroke Center In this issue, you ll find information about who might consider cognitive testing and where to obtain it; an explanation of embolic stroke, the kind caused by an artery blockage; and ideas for sprucing up your spring salads. There s a new cholesterol reducing medication for you to know about; highlighted learnings from this year s International Stroke Conference and opportunities to participate in research studies to advance stroke treatment. And as always, we inform you about some of the many activities available at Valley designed for helping you thrive in your post-stroke world. Experiencing Problems with Thinking, Speaking or Brain Fog Following Stroke? Cognitive Testing May Help Spring 2017 Many stroke survivors find they have problems thinking as well as they did before their stroke. Regardless of the cause, many survivors worry that they have ongoing cognitive problems and would like to investigate these symptoms further. Learn more about cognitive testing. blog.valleymed.org/2017/04/03/experiencing-problems-with-thinking-speaking-orbrain-fog-following-stroke-cognitive-testing-may-help/

2 Types of Stroke: What is an Embolic Stroke? Emboli are most often blood clots or pieces of plaque that have broken off from large arteries that lead to the brain. Find out how emboli cause stroke and how treatment differs depending on the type of emboli. blog.valleymed.org/2017/04/03/types-of-stroke-what-is-an-embolic-stroke/ NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Spruce Up your Spring with Salads RESOURCES BOOK CORNER Tell Me Everything You Don t Remember: The Stroke that Changed my Life by Christine Hyung-Oak Lee In 2006, Ms. Lee had a stroke in a part of her brain called the thalamus. She spent the next few days in a fog of confusion before going to the hospital. In this memoir, she writes about the event, how it affected her memory and eventually how the stroke was a reason to re-evaluate her life and profession. Ms. Lee explains how the brain, emotions, and even medications, have had their own impact on her multifaceted journey of recovery. Find it at the King County Library kcls.bibliocommons.com/item/show/ _ tell_me_everything_you_dont_remember Salads with a base of spring lettuce will spruce up any meal. blog.valleymed.org/2017/04/03/spruce-up-your-spring-with-salads/

3 RESEARCH NEWS / STROKE RESEARCH New, Promising Cholesterol Medications, Especially for Those Not Tolerating Statins STROKE CENTER PROGRAMS NeuroTango is Now Called TangoStride! Here s some good news for those people who cannot tolerate statins or those who need more than statins to reduce cholesterol enough to be safe new types of cholesterol lowering medications, known as RNAi therapy or PCSK9 inhibitors therapy, may help. blog.valleymed.org/2017/04/03/new-promising-cholesterol-medications-especiallyfor-those-not-tolerating-statins/ Highlights from 2017 International Stroke Conference Wednesdays 2 3 PM in Valley Fitness Center s Group Fitness Studio Improve walking and balance. Increase feeling of security and joy while dancing. $12 per drop in couple no one is turned away for lack of funds or lack of partner! Get more info or register at tangostride.com. FREE CLASS Yoga-Tai Chi Mash-Up: Balance and Exercise Class for Stroke Survivors Every year, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association sponsors the country s largest and most important stroke conference, the International Stroke Conference, attended by more than 4500 physicians, nurses, researchers and program administrators. Check out some of the highlights of interest to stroke survivors. blog.valleymed.org/2017/04/03/highlights-from-2017-international-stroke-conference/ Thursdays, 5 6 PM Medical Arts Center, first floor A fun, integrative way for stroke survivors to improve balance, reduce fear of falling, increase strength, functional mobility and flexibility, with a pinch of psychological well-being, to reduce risk of falling. For stroke survivors and their caregivers all are welcome. Class size is limited to 16, so please register for each class you and your caregiver will attend. More Info Register customer.sironahealth.com/webclassreg/ SearchClass.aspx?Facilityid=88522&SearchName= Balance+and+Exercise+class+for+Stroke+Survivors

4 Medical Science that Involves Stroke Survivors in Developing New Treatment Stroke Club Valley Medical Center s Stroke Club is a FREE support group designed for stroke survivors, their family members and caregivers. Monthly meetings include gathering for snacks, sharing experiences, making supportive friends and learning new skills. Medical Arts Center building, 1st floor, Conference Room C 4033 Talbot Road S, Renton Through our affiliation with UW Medicine, Valley is assisting the University of Washington Vascular Imaging Lab in enrolling volunteers in a study. The study will attempt to determine whether MRI can identify arterial plaques that are a high risk factor for stroke. You might be eligible to participate in this study if you: Have recently had an ischemic stroke Are willing to travel to UW Medicine at South Lake Union in Seattle Are able to tolerate a MRI with contrast Are interested in participating in new treatments for stroke! For more information, please contact the Research Coordinator Kristi Pimentel at kristidb@uw.edu. Other trials are looking for stroke survivors who have speech difficulties or aphasia. If you are interested, please strokecenter@valleymed.org for more information. Questions? strokecenter@valleymed.org. valleymed.org/our-services/neuroscience/stroke/ Stroke-Club-Flyer/ What s Happening at Upcoming Stroke Club Meetings A Visit with Lama Alameddine, PsyD May 9, 6 8 PM Join Dr. Lama Alameddine a neuropsychologist at Valley s Neuroscience Institute, our special guest, at the May Stroke Club gathering. Dr. Alameddine will answer questions about the emotional and cognitive changes in stroke survivors and about coping with depression and anxiety during that recovery.

5 Valley Achieves Highest AHA Distinction for Stroke Care Valley Medical Center is nationally recognized for achievement in stroke treatment, receiving the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association s 2015 Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes VMC s commitment and success in implementing excellent care for stroke patients, according to evidence-based guidelines. valleymed.org/stroke/ A Visit with Jill Williams, MD June 13, 6 8 PM Jill Williams, MD, is Valley s Medical Director of Rehabilitation Medicine. She will discuss rehab medicine services at Valley and post-stroke recovery. Dr. Williams focuses on helping her patients improve function and quality of life. Seahawks 12K / GLOW 5K Run/Walk at the Landing Sunday, April 9 Come and get your GLOW on and show your 12th Fan spirit! 12K Run starts at 9 AM 5K Walk starts at 9:20 AM Play 60 Kid s Run starts at 10:45 AM Save $5 Enter the code VALLEYMED5 at checkout View detailed route information Costume contest More info, parking & directions Register now seahawks12krun.com/event-info/ secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id= you would like to attend. STROKE CENTER HOME PAGE valleymed.org/stroke/