Preventive approach to poststroke rehabilitation in older people

Stroke is the leading cause of adult neurologic-related disability. With the recent plateau in stroke death rates, the steady growth in the elderly population, and the secular trend toward more moderate levels of neurologic impairments, stroke continues to be a major health problem requiring rehabilitation interventions. For those who receive rehabilitation, the prognosis is good: most will walk, the greater percentage will be independent in activities of daily living, and only a small percentage will need institutionalization. Providing rehabilitation interventions that are timely, age-specific, and inclusive of treatment for all domains affected enhances potential recovery for elderly people.