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Cerebrovascular disease and the elderly
K Ostermann1, B Sprung-Ostermann
1Arbeitsgruppe für Angewandte Soziale Gerontologie ASG, Gesamthochschule Kassel, Federal Republic of Germany.
Insights
Stroke incidence increases with age and is higher in men. Three years post-stroke, survival is 37%, with survivors showing better functional status and younger age at discharge. Few survivors accessed residential rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide.
- Understanding stroke incidence, survival rates, and post-stroke outcomes is crucial for public health planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, survival rates, and predictors of long-term outcomes following stroke.
- To assess the utilization of residential rehabilitation services among stroke survivors.
Main Methods:
- A three-year follow-up study was conducted in Kassel, Federal Republic of Germany.
- Data collected included patient demographics, stroke incidence, survival status, Barthel index scores at discharge, and rehabilitation service utilization.
- Statistical analysis, including the chi-square test, was employed to identify significant differences.
Main Results:
- Stroke incidence demonstrated a positive correlation with increasing age and was higher in males compared to females.
- The three-year survival rate following a stroke was found to be 37%.
- Survivors exhibited significantly higher Barthel index scores at hospital discharge and were younger than non-survivors.
Conclusions:
- Age and sex are significant factors influencing stroke incidence.
- Functional status at discharge and age are critical determinants of long-term stroke survival.
- Access to residential rehabilitation services in the year following hospital discharge is limited for stroke survivors, with only 15% receiving such care.
Abstract:
A three-year follow-up study in Kassel (Federal Republic of Germany) has shown that (1) the incidence of stroke rises with increasing age, (2) the incidence is higher for men than for women, and (3) the survival rate is 37% three years after the attack. The survivors differ significantly from those who died in their Barthel index scores on discharge from hospital and in age (chi-square test). Only a small subgroup (15% of the survivors) received treatment in a residential rehabilitation centre in the year after discharge from hospital.