Stroke Characteristics in the Elderly: A Hospital-Based Study in Cameroon

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Geriatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Advanced age is a significant, non-modifiable risk factor for stroke.
• Limited data exists on stroke characteristics and outcomes in elderly populations in sub-Saharan Africa.
• This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding stroke in older adults in this region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the clinical features of stroke in elderly patients.
• To identify predictors of poor outcomes, including mortality, functional recovery, and recurrence.
• To provide insights for improved management strategies in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study over 4 months using the Douala General Hospital Stroke Registry.
• Analysis of clinical features, comorbidities, stroke types, and severity scores (GCS, NIHSS, Barthel Index).
• Logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier methods used to identify outcome predictors and estimate survival.

Main Results:

• Elderly patients constituted 38.6% of all stroke cases.
• Higher incidence of hypertension, diabetes, prior stroke, and cardiopathies in older patients.
• Independent predictors for mortality included cardiopathies, GCS scores, hemorrhagic stroke, high NIHSS, and low Barthel index.

Conclusions:

• Nearly two in five stroke cases involve elderly individuals.
• Cardiopathies, hemorrhagic stroke, and stroke severity are key factors influencing poor outcomes.
• A specialized management approach for elderly stroke patients is recommended to improve outcomes.