Maya Angelou, born April 4, 1928, was an American author, poet, and civil rights activist. After suffering a stroke, she passed away on May 28, 2014. While numerous sources, such as the Los Angeles Times, report that she died of natural causes, few people know what medical complications may have contributed to her death.
Upon careful consideration of various medical reports and information sources, it is evident that health problems resulting from her stroke may have ultimately caused Angelou’s death. In 2011, Angelou—then 83 years old—suffered a stroke and had to be hospitalized for months. While she made a full recovery, she did suffer residual damage and lingering complications from her stroke, sometimes referred to as a post-stroke syndrome.
Studies have demonstrated that stroke survivors often suffer from frailty, which contributes to a number of medical complications. While the cause of Angelou’s frailty after her stroke is not known, it is evident that such conditions can lead to an increased risk of infection, heart diseases, and organ dysfunction. Additionally, these conditions can seriously impact a person’s quality of life and lead to premature death.
Given her age and physical complications, it appears that Angelou was predisposed to health risks which can arise after stroke. As such, it is likely that the side effects that Angelou suffered, and ultimately her death, can be attributed to her stroke. In the end, it is still unclear what combination of conditions and acute medical issues ultimately caused her death.
The Consequences of Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood supply to a certain part of the brain is cut off. This deprives the cells of oxygen and the body of its ability to perform motor functions. It is well documented that stroke can lead to long-term effects, from physical impairments like cognitive or motor function, to psychological effects such as depression or anxiety.
The degree to which a stroke affects an individual can vary greatly. Some may suffer minimal consequences to their health and lifestyle, while for others the effects can be long-lasting and life-altering. Post-stroke frailty, as experienced by Maya Angelou, is one common outcome of a stroke.
Post stroke frailty is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including exhaustion and fatigue, weakness in muscles, and loss of physical abilities. These effects can take a great toll on an individual’s quality of life and can ultimately lead to further medical problems. Cardiovascular diseases, infections, and impaired organ function are not uncommon consequences of post-stroke frailty, and can result in death.
The American Heart Association has documented various risk factors for post-stroke frailty, including socio-demographic characteristics like age and ethnicity, medical conditions such as hypertension, and lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking.
Lingering Outcomes of Stroke
The effects of stroke can extend into old age. Older people are at greater risk for stroke, and consequently, for enduring the long-term consequences of stroke like frailty.
The National Institutes of Health reports that stroke is a major contributor to disability in people aged 65 and over, and that decreased physical activity is strongly associated with post-stroke frailty. In other words, physical activity can improve recovery times, reduce disability, and prevent the onset of post-stroke frailty.
Although an active lifestyle is important for stroke recovery in all age groups, age can further impair physical abilities and lead to further medical complications. Studies have shown that older individuals are more at risk of suffering social isolation, malnutrition, and cognitive impairment due to the lingering effects of stroke.
The decrease in physical activity which accompanies post-stroke frailty can lead to further medical complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, and diabetes. These medical conditions can further reduce a person’s quality of life and, if left untreated, may lead to death.
The Impact of Risk Factors
Numerous socio-demographic and health risk factors have been linked to stroke and post-stroke frailty. Unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor diet, are associated with a higher risk of stroke.
Additionally, chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease can increase a person’s risk of stroke, as can age and ethnicity. These risk factors can influence the severity and degree to which an individual will experience post-stroke frailty, and thus, may contribute to earlier mortality.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has reported that African Americans have the highest incidence of stroke in the United States. Research has shown that the risk of stroke is even higher for African Americans in their sixties and beyond.
Studies have indicated that race and ethnicity can have an effect on the severity and longevity of disability after stroke. Thus, it is likely that Maya Angelou’s age, ethnicity, and pre-existing medical conditions experiences can be attributed to her death.
Environmental Factors of Stroke
The environment in which a person lives has been shown to have an effect on the likelihood of having a stroke. Stress, impoverished lifestyle, and various environmental pollutants have all been associated with an increased risk of stroke.
Research has indicated that air pollution increases a person’s stroke risk. The most recent studies have focused on fine particle air pollution and have identified a link between air quality and stroke among all age groups, including the elderly individuals.
Furthermore, research has suggested an association between outdoor temperature, noise pollution, and the occurrence of stroke. Studies have identified that temperature extremes and even moderate noise exposure, such as traffic noise, can increase a person’s stroke risk.
Thus, it is evident that one’s environment can be a risk factor for stroke and post-stroke frailty. Despite the fact that the extent to which these environmental risk factors influenced Maya Angelou’s stroke cannot be determined, it is likely that they did play some role in her death.
Medical Intervention Needed for Stroke
The World Health Organization estimates that over 17 million people suffer from stroke each year, and almost 6 million of them die as a result. Thus, it is evident that early and effective treatment is of utmost importance for stroke recovery and prevention of post-stroke frailty.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed various studies to improve stroke care and recovery. Studies have identified that telemedicine can improve healthcare access and reduce the time to diagnosis.
Regional differences in healthcare have also been studied. The CDC has reported that the Midwest and Southern United States have limited access to stroke care services. Furthermore, certain small communities have higher rates of stroke mortality due to inadequate healthcare access.
Research suggests that education campaigns are needed to raise awareness and help reduce disparities in healthcare access across the different states. Further studies are also needed to identify preventative measures that can be taken to help reduce stroke risk among high-risk groups.
Treatment for Stroke
Treatment for stroke can vary depending on the type of stroke and the severity of the damage to the brain. The American Stroke Association has identified various treatments and medical interventions which can be implemented in the case of a stroke.
In certain instances, medications can be administered to reduce the risk of further complications. These include aspirin, which helps reduce blockages in the blood vessels, and anticoagulants, which help reduce the formation of blood clots.
Physical rehabilitation can help reduce impairments caused by stroke. Occupational therapy and physical therapy can help with motor and cognitive impairments. Speech therapy can also help with speech and swallowing difficulties.
Various medical devices can also be used to improve stroke symptoms. Some devices use electrical signals or magnets to stimulate muscle movement and help improve motor skills. Other treatments, such as acupuncture and massage therapy, have also been used to improve stroke symptoms.
Psychological support can help reduce the emotional effects of stroke, such as depression and stress. Support groups can help stroke victims to connect with others and share their experiences. Counselling and other forms of therapy can also help to alleviate the psychological distress.
