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[Is very old age a prognostic factor for outcome after a first stroke?]
P Calmels1, C Defay, M Yvanes-Thomas
1Service de médecine physique et de réadaptation, hôpital Bellevue, CHU de Saint-Etienne, 42055 Saint-Etienne cedex 02, France. paul.calmels@chu-st-etienne.fr
Summary
Very old age (over 80) after a stroke predicts higher mortality and less rehabilitation, but not worse functional outcomes. This finding impacts stroke care management for elderly patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Public Health
Context:
- Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability.
- Advanced age is a growing demographic factor in stroke patient populations.
- Understanding age-related outcomes is crucial for healthcare resource allocation.
Purpose:
- To investigate if advanced age (over 80 years) predicts mortality, care pathway orientation, and functional status 6 months post-stroke.
- To analyze the impact of very old age on stroke patient management and outcomes.
Summary:
- A study of 112 first-time stroke patients (47 over 80) found that advanced age significantly correlates with increased mortality and reduced orientation to rehabilitation or home.
- However, very old age did not predict poorer functional outcomes at 6 months post-stroke.
- The study utilized comprehensive assessments including NIHSS, MMSE, Barthel Index, FIM(TM), and FAM scales.
Impact:
- Advanced age is a key determinant in post-stroke management strategies.
- Results suggest a need for further research into the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of inpatient rehabilitation for very elderly stroke survivors.
- Findings inform clinical decision-making regarding care pathways and resource allocation for older stroke patients.
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