Cognition in relation to independency in older, comorbid stroke patients in a stroke unit

M. Huijben-Schoenmakers, A.C.H.J. Rademaker, E.J.A. Scherder

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to ascertain if cognition helps to predict functional outcome in older comorbid stroke patients with severe loss of independence. Design: This is a cross-sectional study. Subjects: The subjects of this study are patients who have suffered a stroke and who rehabilitated in the nursing homes' rehabilitation units and patients (n = 160) (mean age: 77; SD: 9.5) with a mean Barthel Index of 11.02. Method: Demographic, illness-related, functional and cognitive data were selected at baseline. Main Assessment Measures: Functional abilities were tested using the Barthel Index. Cognitive functions were assessed using a wide variety of neuropsychological tests. Results: Patients faced cognitive impairments especially in executive functioning and memory. Stepwise linear regression analysis shows that executive functioning (p = 0.050) and memory (p = 0.000; confidence interval −1.255, −0.403) are significantly associated with functional outcome. Conclusion: From a clinical point of view, we suggest combining physical and cognitive training from the very early phase of recovery.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)761-768
Number of pages8
JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
Volume32
Issue number7
Early online date6 Jun 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Funding

We would like to thank the patients who participated in this study, their partners and family members, along with the nurses, head nurses, all other professionals and the management of the rehabilitation wards of the nursing homes Wiekendael, Avoord, Elisabeth and RIVAS in the Netherlands who assisted and facilitated the study. We also thank the Lectorate of Avans University of Applied Sciences in Breda and the Innovation and Knowledge Centre, ROC West-Brabant for facilitating the study. This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

FundersFunder number
Innovation and Knowledge Centre

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