Prevention of transient ischemic attack and stroke in older adults: implementing evidence-based interventions

By the year 2030, it is estimated there will be more than 70 million adults age 55 and older. Despite the increased risk of transient ischemic attack and stroke after age 55, multiple evidence-based preventive actions can be taken to specifically target manageable health conditions and other modifiable factors that can substantially reduce their likelihood. The purpose of this article is to describe the essential elements in the transient ischemic attack and stroke risk assessment for older adults and the major evidence-based pharmacological and lifestyle stroke-prevention interventions for first ischemic strokes, transient ischemic attacks, and subsequent events.