The relay sends chemical signals to brain regions that create emotional responses. One such chemical, serotonin, is so vital to mood that antidepressants like Prozac are made to boost it. But if strokes so small you don't even feel them knock out the relay, serotonin doesn't go where it's needed. It usually doesn't show up as crying and intense sadness, as it does in younger patients.
Older people seem apathetic and have trouble concentrating.
It's imperative to recognize the symptoms, as little strokes may be precursors to bigger ones that can paralyze and even kill. Depression should spur older patients to get neurological exams and cut stroke risks like high blood pressure. Antidepressants can treat the mood alarm. Gold bugs got a rush last week as the price of gold soared nearly 15 percent in two days, before settling back some. European central banks launched the rally by limiting gold sales over the next five years.