Lifelong Learners
An Independent Collaborative

Lifelong Learners

An Independent Collaborative

Stroke and Brain Functions

Course Leader(s)
Day of Week: Thursday
Course Length: 5 weeks
Starting: 10/30/2025
Ending: 12/04/2025
Period of Day: Period 1 Zoom
Time: 9:30 - 11:00
Course Fee: $50

Course Description:

Stroke is one of the most feared conditions in the minds of all of us as we get older. What is more frightening and devastating than to suddenly become unable to speak, understand speech, move an arm or a leg, stand, walk, balance, hear, see, read, write, feel, or remember? Readily accessible information about stroke is lacking and difficult for many of us to understand. This course will discuss symptoms of stroke, how to recognize them, and how strokes relate to loss of functions.

This course will begin by describing what a stroke is, the major types of strokes, and the symptoms patients develop as a result of brain injury. We will also discuss risk factors, their management, and stroke diagnosis and treatment.  I will begin each class with a brief presentation using PowerPoint slides followed by a question-and-answer period.  No prep time is needed; attendees can read material in the books listed to amplify the course presentations.

Books and Other Resources:

These materials are recommended but not required.  Many of the books are available in the Minuteman Library System.

The American Academy of Neurology; the American Heart Association Stroke have information about stroke and the brain for the public. Books 3 and 4 in the bibliography were commissioned by the American Academy of Neurology for me to write. I am now writing a 2nd edition of Navigating the Complexities of Stroke with Dr. Vasileios-Arsenios Lioutas for the American Academy of Neurology. It will be in press in about one year and published by Oxford University press.

  1. Caplan, L.R., Dyken, M.L., Easton, J.D. (eds): The American Heart Association Family Guide to Stroke: Treatment, Recovery, and Prevention. New York: Times Books, Random House, 1993.
  2. Hutton, C., Caplan, L.R.: Striking Back at Stroke: A Doctor-Patient Journal. Washington, DC: Dana Press, 2003.
  3. Caplan, L.R. Stroke. St. Paul, MN: AAN Press (New York, NY:  Demos Medical Publishing), 2005.
  4. Caplan LR. Navigating the Complexities of Stroke. New York, Oxford U press, 2013.
  5. Hutton. After a stroke; 300 tips for making life easier, Demos Medical Publishing 2005. Paperback
Course Leader Bio(s)

Louis Caplan

I was born in Baltimore Maryland; and graduated from Williams College and the University of Maryland Medical School 1962 summa cum laude, as class valedictorian.  I served in the US Army. After a Neurology residency at Harvard Neurological Unit, I was a Fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital, And then a staff Neurologist at the Beth Israel Hospital from 1970-1978. From 1978-1984, I was Neurologist-in-chief at Michael Reese Hospital and Professor of Neurology University of Chicago. From 1984 to 1998 I was Neurologist-in-chief at the New England Medical Center and Professor and Neurology Chairman. In 1998, I returned to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center as Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School where I practice and teach. I am the author or editor of 52 books. I have had experience speaking to lay audiences.  I live in Brookline with my wife Brenda. My family includes 6 children and their spouses, 18 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.