The influence of age on the clinical presentation and outcome of stroke

Of 135 patients who survived the first 2 weeks following a stroke 25% were under the age of 65 years, 40% between 65 and 74 years and 35% were 75 years of age or older. Those under 65 years had a lower incidence of a previous history of lower limb arthritis, balance problems, and limited mobility but a greater incidence of ischaemic heart disease than those 65 years and over. This younger age group had a lower mortality and were more likely to progress beyond severe degrees of disability. However, if only those who survived the first year are included, then there was no difference in outcome between the age groups. In none of the parameters studied was there any difference between those 65 to 74 years of age and those 75 years and over. It was, however, those over the age of 74 years who were more likely to require long-term institutional care. These findings suggest that, although elderly 1-year survivors had a similar level of functional recovery to younger patients, other factors, probably social, affected the eventual placement of stroke patients.