Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. A stroke occurs when either the blood supply to the brain is blocked (ischemic stroke) or a blood vessel breaks (hemorrhagic stroke). Atherosclerosis is the major contributor to ischemic stroke. Stroke is second only to Alzheimer's Disease as the cause of dementia. Of those who have survived a stroke, many have substantial impairment. The survivor may experience weakness in varying degrees on one side of his body, affecting one or both extremities. In addition, feeding, language and cognitive skills (ability to solve problems) may be affected. As a result, an individual experiencing a stroke may exhibit difficulty in chewing and swallowing, communicating basic needs and understanding what is happening around them.
