Older Stroke Patients Research Articles

Abstract 1122‐000035: Is Age Critical in Determining Stroke Severity Within the Telestroke Network?

Introduction : Age is the single most important risk factor for stroke and an estimated 75% of all strokes occur in people >65 years of age. In addition, adults >75 years’ experience more hospitalization stays and higher mortality rates with an estimated 50% in the occurrence of all strokes. Several comorbidities have been linked to an increased risk and severity of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). How these factors differentially contribute to the severity of stroke in patients ages >65 and <75 as well as those ≥75 is not known. In this study, we aim to investigate how age, coupled with various clinical risk factors, affects AIS severity within these two age categories. Methods : This retrospective data analysis study was conducted using the data collected from the PRISMA Health Stroke Registry between 2010 and 2016. Baseline clinical and demographic data for patients ages >65 and <75 as well as those ≥75 was analyzed using univariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and multivariate regression models were used to examine the association of specific baseline risk factors or comorbidities associated with worsening or improving neurologic functions. The primary functions were risk factors associated with improving or worsening neurologic outcome in each age category. Results : Adjusted multivariate analysis showed that AIS population of patients >65 and <75 experiencing heart failure (OR = 4.398, 95% CI, 3.912 – 494.613, P = 0.002) and elevated HDL levels (OR = 1.066, 95% CI, 1.009 – 1.126, P = 0.024) trended towards worsening neurologic functions while patients experiencing obesity (OR = 0.177, 95% CI, 0.041 – 0.760, P = 0.020) exhibited improving neurologic functions. For the patients ≥75 years of age, direct admission (OR = 0.270, 95% CI, 0.085 – 0.856, P = 0.026) was associated with improvement of patients treated in the telestroke. Conclusions : Age is a strong risk factor for AIS, and aged stroke patients have higher morbidity and worsening functional recovery than younger patients. In this study, we observed differences in stroke risk factor profiles for >65 and <75 and ≥75 age categories. Heart failure and elevated HDL levels were significantly associated with worsening neurologic functions among AIS for patients aged >65 and <75. Obese patients and individuals ≥75 years who were directly admitted were most likely to exhibit improving neurologic functions. Most importantly, findings from this study reveal specific risk factors that can be managed to improve the care in older stroke patients treated in the telestroke network.

Testing for Thrombophilic Disorders in Young Adults with Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack

<h4 class="maintitle">Abstract</h4> Young adults aged 50 years and below with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack have significantly different risk factors from older stroke patients. As a result, they are often worked up extensively to evaluate for the underlying cause of the stroke. The aim of this retrospective study at our hospital was to determine how often tests for thrombophilic disorders are ordered for such patients and the yield of such tests. The results of this study showed that thrombophilic tests were frequently ordered by neurologists but the yield from such tests was low. <h4 class="maintitle">Keywords</h4> Cryptogenic stroke; Thrombophilic disorders; Young stroke; Ischemic stroke

Impact of Medicare Eligibility on Informal Caregiving for Surgery and Stroke

Research ObjectiveOver 40 million older Americans rely on informal care (unpaid assistance for personal care such and instrumental support, including toileting, bathing, and shopping). Prior work illustrates 68–230% greater spending on post‐acute care after surgery for Medicare beneficiaries compared to older commercial insurance enrollees. Such enhanced access to post‐acute care may reduce the need for family and friend caregiving support for rehabilitation following acute medical events. While use of informal care is substantial among older Americans, little is known about informal support for patients after acute medical events, and how formal post‐acute care influences its use.Study DesignWe used 1998 to 2018 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data to assess changes in weekly hours of informal care received by individuals experiencing acute events before and after Medicare eligibility. We created two similar cohorts of individuals near the Medicare eligibility age: pre‐Medicare, or individuals ages 59–66 and not covered by Medicare; and Medicare, or individuals ages 67–74. We used a threshold of 67, rather than 65, for the Medicare cohort to account for the two‐year lookback period used in HRS survey questions. The cohorts were matched using inverse probability treatment weights. A regression discontinuity design assessed three types of caregiving – the proportion of respondents receiving care, intensity of care among care recipients, and care intensity among all respondents – before and after Medicare eligibility. We estimated generalized linear models with a log link and gamma distribution that regressed informal care on Medicare status, a centered age variable, and an interaction between Medicare status and centered age. Sensitivity analyses included stratification by surgery type and by sex.Population Studied4264 Health and Retirement Study participants near the age of Medicare eligibility in one of three self‐reported acute medical cohorts: stroke, heart surgery, or joint surgery.Principal FindingsAmong near‐retirement individuals, 2031 (47.6%) had a stroke, 1038 (24.3%) underwent heart surgery, and 1038 (28.0%) underwent joint surgery. Of the 937 (22.3%) of patients who reported receiving care from an informal caregiver, average care measured 34.0 (SD: 49.2) weekly hours. Mean (SD) weekly informal caregiving hours were 7.5 (27.0) overall, and 12.1 (34.7), 3.8 (18.5), and 2.9 (14.1) for stroke, heart surgery, and joint surgery patients, respectively. In adjusted analyses, the proportion of stroke patients receiving informal care decreased from 39.5% to 28.6% (or by 28%) and the average weekly amount of care decreased from 21.0 to 10.3 hours (or 51%) after Medicare enrollment. Non‐significant decreases were observed for the other medical cohorts. There was a non‐significant average decrease of 22.8 hours (or 40%) in the intensity of care received by men after one of three events.ConclusionsAccess to Medicare coverage was associated with a 51% reduction in informal care received by older Medicare stroke patients, potentially by increasing access to post‐acute services.Implications for Policy or PracticePost‐acute care is increasingly targeted for cost savings under Medicare policies, which may restrict access to post‐acute care and rehabilitation, impacting demand for informal care for older adults with stroke.

Smartwatch monitoring for atrial fibrillation after stroke—The Pulsewatch Study: Protocol for a multiphase randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythm disorder that elevates stroke risk. Stroke survivors undergo routine heart rhythm monitoring for AF. Smartwatches are capable of AF detection and potentially can replace traditional cardiac monitoring in stroke patients.ObjectiveThe goal of Pulsewatch is to assess the accuracy, usability, and adherence of a smartwatch-based AF detection system in stroke patients.MethodsThe study will consist of two parts. Part I will have 6 focus groups with stroke patients, caretakers, and physicians, and a Hack-a-thon, to inform development of the Pulsewatch system. Part II is a randomized clinical trial with 2 phases designed to assess the accuracy and usability in the first phase (14 days) and adherence in the second phase (30 days). Participants will be randomized in a 3:1 ratio (intervention to control) for the first phase, and both arms will receive gold-standard electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring. The intervention group additionally will receive a smartphone/smartwatch dyad with the Pulsewatch applications. Upon completion of 14 days, participants will be re-randomized in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group will receive the Pulsewatch system and a handheld ECG device, while the control group will be passively monitored. Participants will complete questionnaires at enrollment and at 14- and 44-day follow-up visits to assess various psychosocial measures and health behaviors.ResultsPart I was completed in August 2019. Enrollment for Part II began September 2019, with expected completion by the end of 2021.ConclusionPulsewatch aims to demonstrate that a smartwatch can be accurate for real-time AF detection, and that older stroke patients will find the system usable and will adhere to monitoring.

Registered nurses\u2019 role experiences of caring for older stroke patients: a qualitative study

BackgroundWith China’s population ageing rapidly, stroke is becoming one of the major public health problems. Nurses are indispensable for caring for older patients with acute and convalescent stroke, and their working experiences are directly linked to the quality of care provided. The study aims to investigate registered nurses’ experiences of caring for older stroke patients.MethodsA qualitative descriptive design was adopted. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with 26 registered nurses about their lived experiences of caring for older stroke patients. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.ResultsTwo main themes were identified. First, the nurses identified an obvious gap between their ideal role in elderly care and their actual practice. The unsatisfactory reality was linked to the practical difficulties they encountered in their working environment. Second, the nurses expressed conflicting feelings about caring for older stroke patients, displaying a sense of accomplishment, indifference, annoyance, and sympathy. Caring for older stroke patients also affects nurses psychologically and physically. The nurses were clear about their own roles and tried their best to meet the elderly people’s needs, yet they lack time and knowledge about caring for older stroke patients. The factors influencing their working experiences extend beyond the personal domain and are linked to the wider working environment.ConclusionsSustaining the nursing workforce and improving their working experiences are essential to meet the care needs of older people. Understanding nurses’ lived working experiences is the first step. At the individual level, nurse mangers should promote empathy, relieve anxiety about aging, and improve the job satisfaction and morale of nurses. At the institutional level, policymakers should make efforts to improve the nursing clinical practice environment, increase the geriatric nursing education and training, achieve a proper skill mix of the health workforce, and overall attract, prepare and sustain nurses regarding caring for older people in a rapidly aging society.

Correlation Between Age of Stroke Patients and Mental Imagery to Improve Hand Function

Mental imagery is the rehearsal of a physical task mentally, without execution of any physical task. The technique triggers the similar neurons (mirror neurons) of brain as are triggered by physical performance of the task. &#x0D; Objective: To find correlation between age of stroke patients and mental imagery to improve hand function.Methodology: A sample of 50 patients was selected from DHQ hospital Jhelum. The inclusion criteria were as follows; age 55-75, gender (male and female), and stroke duration more than 12 months. Patients of age below 55 and above 75, patients with parietal stroke were excluded from study. Patients were treated with mental imagery technique for 10 weeks, P&lt;0.05.Results: Both male and females were included in study. Sample consisted of 67% females and 33% male. Mean age of participants was 56.42 + 1.36. WMFT was used as outcome measure. Post treatment mean WMFT score was 57.9. Pearson Correlation was used to find out correlation between age and mental imagery outcome.&#x0D; Conclusions: It was concluded that no correlation is present between age and mental imagery ability of older adult stroke patients. Older adults were benefited with mental imagery technique and a significant improvement in hand function ofstroke patients was found.

Elevated Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio Associated With Increased Risk of Recurrent Vascular Events in Older Minor Stroke or TIA Patients.

BackgroundThe risk of recurrent stroke following a minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is high, when inflammation might play an important role. We aimed to evaluate the value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting composite cardiovascular events in patients with minor stroke and TIA.MethodsConsecutive patients with acute minor stroke or TIA admitted within 24 h of symptoms onset during a 5-year period in a prospective stroke registry were analyzed. We calculated the NLR dividing absolute neutrophil count by absolute lymphocyte count tested within 24 h of admission. NLR ≥4th quartile was defined as high NLR. A composite outcome was defined as stroke, acute coronary syndrome or vascular death within 1 year. We investigated associations between NLR and the composite outcome in univariate and multivariate analyses, among all patients and in those aged over 60 years (i.e., older patients).ResultsOverall, 841 patients (median age 68 years; 60.4% males) were recruited. No significant independent association was found between NLR and the composite outcome in multivariate analysis in the overall cohort. Among the 612 older patients (median age 73 years; 59.2% males), the median NLR was 2.76 (interquartile range 1.96−4.00) and 148 (24.2%) patients had high NLR. The composite outcome occurred in 77 (12.6%) older patients, who were more likely to have a high NLR (39.0% versus 22.1%; p = 0.001) than those without a composite outcome. In multivariate logistic regression, high NLR (adjusted odds ratio 2.00; 95% confidence interval 1.07−3.75; p = 0.031) was independently associated with the composite outcome in older patients.ConclusionIn older (aged ≥60 years) patients with acute minor stroke or TIA, a higher NLR, a marker of systemic inflammation that can be easily obtained in routine blood tests, is an independent predictor of subsequent cardiovascular events.

Caregiver burden and coping strategies in caregivers of older patients with stroke

BackgroundCoping strategies play a key role in modulating the physical and psychological burden on caregivers of stroke patients. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between the severity of burden of care and coping strategies amongst a sample of Iranian caregivers of older stroke patients. It also aimed to examine the differences of coping strategies used by male and female caregivers.MethodsA total of 110 caregivers of older patients who previously had a stroke participated in this descriptive and cross-sectional study. The Zarit Burden Interview and Lazarus coping strategies questionnaires were used for data collection. Questionnaires were completed by the caregivers, who were selected using convenience sampling. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson's correlations and independent t-tests.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 32.09 ± 8.70 years. The majority of the caregivers sampled reported mild to moderate (n = 74, 67.3%) burden. The most commonly used coping strategies reported were positive reappraisal and seeking social support. Results of the independent t-test showed that male caregivers used the positive reappraisal strategy (t(110) = 2.76; p = 0.007) and accepting responsibility (t(110) = 2.26; p = 0.026) significantly more than female caregivers. Pearson’s correlations showed a significant positive correlation between caregiver burden and emotional-focused strategies, including escaping (r = 0.245, p = 0.010) and distancing (r = 0.204, p = 0.032).ConclusionsCaregivers with higher burden of care used more negative coping strategies, such as escape-avoidance and distancing. In order to encourage caregivers to utilize effective coping skills, appropriate programs should be designed and implemented to support caregivers. Use of effective coping skills to reduce the level of personal burden can improve caregiver physical health and psychological well-being.

Abstract P678: Elevated Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio Associated With Increased Risk of Recurrent Vascular Events in Older Minor Stroke or TIA Patients

Background: The risk of recurrent stroke following a minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is high, when inflammation might play an important role. We aimed to evaluate the value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting composite cardiovascular events in patients with minor stroke and TIA. Methods: Consecutive patients with acute minor stroke or TIA admitted within 24 hours of symptoms onset during a 5-year period in a prospective stroke registry were analyzed. We calculated the NLR dividing absolute neutrophil count by absolute lymphocyte count tested within 24 hours of admission. NLR ≥ 4th quartile was defined as high NLR. A composite outcome was defined as ischemic stroke, acute coronary syndrome or vascular death within 1 year. We investigated associations between NLR and the composite outcome in univariate and multivariate analyses, among all patients and in those aged over 60 years (i.e., older patients). Results: Overall, 841 patients (median age 68 years; 60.4% males) were recruited. No significant independent association was found between NLR and the composite outcome in multivariate analysis in the overall cohort. Among the 612 older patients (median age 73 years; 59.2% males), the median NLR was 2.76 (interquartile range 1.96-4.00) and 148 (24.2%) patients had high NLR. The composite outcome occurred in 77 (12.6%) older patients, who were more likely to have a high NLR (39.0% versus 22.1%; p=0.001) than those without a composite outcome. In multivariate logistic regression, high NLR (adjusted odds ratio 2.00; 95% confidence interval 1.07-3.75; p=0.031) was independently associated with the composite outcome in older patients. Conclusions: In older patients with acute minor stroke or TIA, a higher NLR is an independent predictor of subsequent cardiovascular events, indicating inflammation as an important factor and potential therapeutic target for secondary prevention of such patients.

Abstract 51: Disposition of Female Stroke Patients: The Interaction of Age and Race/Ethnicity

Background: A previous study found racial/ethnic disparities in disposition post-acute rehabilitation care. The aim of this study was to examine disposition by type of stroke, stroke severity and comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, obesity) among older female stroke patients by race/ethnicity and age group after inpatient hospitalization. Methods: Data were extracted from Get With The Guidelines-Stroke from Baptist Hospital of Miami, April 2014-March 2019. The sample included non-Hispanic Black (NHB), Hispanic (HIS), and non-Hispanic White (NHW) female stroke patients categorized by age group: 65-74 (Y), 75-84 (M) and ≥85 years (O) and disposition to home or other care facility (skilled nursing or rehabilitation) (OCF), N =1587. Characteristics were presented by race/ethnicity with the chi-squared test and partial correlations. Differences in discharge to home or OCF was determined by logistic regression. Results: There were 27.3% NHB, 37.5% HIS, and 35.2% NHW, however, there were significant differences in age group by race for ≥85 years: 18.4% NHB, 36.0% HIS, and 40.1% NHW. The majority of women had health insurance (98.8%) with 3.0% NHB, 1.2% HIS, and 0.3% NHW with no insurance/self-pay (p=0.017). There was a race/ethnicity by age group interaction. Stroke type, stroke severity, and obesity were statistically significantly associated with disposition. Controlling for age, stroke severity was higher in NHB and HIS than in NHW (r=-0.66, p=0.008). Adjusting for insurance, stroke severity, stroke type, and other comorbidities, NHB-Y (OR=4.24, 1.5-11.6), NHB-M (OR=2.40, 2.22-4.76), HIS-Y (OR=4.26, 1.6-11.4), and HIS-M (OR=2.57(1.40-4.72) had higher odds of being sent to OCF compared to NHW-O. Conclusion: Disposition was based on medical determinants, such as age, stroke severity, stroke type and other comorbidities. This study demonstrated a statistically significant race/ethnicity by age group interaction for rehabilitation care after inpatient hospitalization for women in our facility. Continued research is warranted to increase our understanding of these interactions in racial/ethnic minority women.

Early post-stroke rehabilitation for upper limb motor function using virtual reality and exoskeleton: equally efficient in older patients.

To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality therapy (VRT) Armeo Spring® upper limb exoskeleton (Armeo), in early post-stroke rehabilitation with a focus on the elderly. Convalescence from a stroke is a complex process driven by a spontaneous recovery supported by multifactorial activation. Novel technology-based rehabilitation methods are being introduced to support brain plasticity. Using a randomised controlled study design, participants within 30 days after stroke with arm paresis were, in addition to a daily rehabilitation programme, assigned to an intervention group (45 minutes Armeo IG n = 25; mean age 66.5 years) performing VRT, or to a conventional physiotherapy (45 minutes) control group (Armeo CG, n = 25, mean age 68.1 years). Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Fugl Mayer Assessment Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UE) were performed before and after the three-week therapy with 12 therapeutic sessions. Results of participants < 65 and ≥ 65 years old were compared. Paretic upper arm function improved significantly in both the IG and CG groups, the improvement in FMA-UE was significantly higher in the IG compared to the CG (p = 0.02), and patients ≥ 65 years old presented an equal magnitude of improvement in paretic arm function compared to younger patients. Early post-stroke rehabilitation strategies using, in addition to the daily rehabilitation programme, VRT with visual biofeedback is more effective on upper extremity motor performance than conventional physiotherapy, and the effectiveness does not diminish with patient age. This may be a promising addition to conventional physiotherapy in older stroke patients as well as in younger.

Effectiveness of an integrated multidisciplinary geriatric rehabilitation programme for older persons with stroke: a multicentre randomised controlled trial

BackgroundAlmost half of the stroke patients admitted to geriatric rehabilitation has persisting problems after discharge. Currently, there is no evidence based geriatric rehabilitation programme available for older stroke patients, combining inpatient rehabilitation with adequate ambulatory aftercare in the community. Therefore, we developed an integrated multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme that includes aftercare for older persons with stroke. We evaluated the effectiveness of this newly developed rehabilitation programme in comparison to usual care.MethodsA multicentre randomised controlled trial was conducted in eight geriatric rehabilitation stroke units and their collaborating partners in primary care. The study population involved stroke patients and their informal caregivers who were aged 65 or over, living in the community before admission to geriatric rehabilitation, and expected to be able to return home after discharge. The programme consisted of three modules: inpatient neurorehabilitation, home-based self-management training, and stroke education. For patients, daily activity (FAI) was assessed as primary outcome and functional dependence (Katz-15), perceived quality of life (SSQoL) and social participation (IPA) as secondary outcomes. Additionally, among informal caregivers perceived care burden (self-rated burden VAS), objective care burden (Erasmus iBMG), and quality of life (CarerQol), were assessed as secondary outcomes.ResultsIn total 190 patients and 172 informal caregivers were included. Mean age of the patients in the intervention group was 78.9 years (SD = 7.0) and in the usual care group 79.0 years (SD = 6.5). Significant favourable effects for the programme were observed for the subscale autonomy outdoors of the IPA (− 2.15, P = .047, and for the informal caregivers perceived care burden (1.23, P = .048. For the primary outcome daily activity and the other secondary outcomes, no significant effects were observed.ConclusionThe integrated multidisciplinary programme had no effect on daily activity of older stroke patients. However, patients participating in the programme had a higher level of perceived autonomy of outdoor activities and their informal caregivers perceived a lower care burden. The programme might be promising in providing adequate (after) care, although adaptation of the programme is recommended to increase its feasibility and improve its effects.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN62286281. Registered 19-3-2010.

Comparison of patients with transient and sustained increments of antiphospholipid antibodies after acute ischemic stroke.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is one of the uncommon causes of ischemic stroke, and is associated with young and female patients. However, the significance of antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) in older ischemic stroke patients is uncertain. We aimed to examine the significance of aPLs in ischemic stroke in these older patients. A total of 739 patients with acute ischemic stroke within 7days of initial symptoms were collected consecutively. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from medical records. aPLs (lupus anticoagulant, anti-cardiolipin antibody, anti-β2glycoprotein-I antibody) were measured the day after admission and the presence of at least one antibody was regarded as positive aPL. Patients with positive aPL were rechecked after at least 12weeks for confirmation of APS. Of the 739 patients, 103 (13.9%) had at least one aPL initially. These patients were older, had more atrial fibrillation and higher levels of inflammatory markers. Among the 103 aPL positive patients, 41 remained positive at 3months, 23 showed negative conversion, and 39 were not available for follow-up. Patients diagnosed with APS had higher numbers of aPL and had specifically anti-β2glycoprotein-I IgG antibody. The patients with aPLs did not differ significantly from the others in terms of stroke subtype. aPL was rather common in ischemic stroke patients regardless of age. Although the influence of transient positive aPL on ischemic stroke remains uncertain, two or more aPLs and the presence of anti-β2glycoprotein-I IgG may predict a diagnosis of APS.

The Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Thrombolysis in Older Chinese Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

To study the efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolysis for the older acute ischemic stroke patients, clinical data were prospectively analyzed from 168 patients with acute ischemic stroke including 42 older adult patients (ET group), 66 younger patients (NET group) treated with rt-PA, and 60 older adult patients treated without rt-PA (ENT group). Stroke severity was assessed with an NIHSS score at baseline, 1-day and 14-day after treatment. Functional outcomes were evaluated by the modified Rankin scale and a Barthel index. Adverse effects were observed during the treatment. The rate of "good" prognosis was higher in the ET group than that in the ENT group at 90 days post-stroke. In older patients with stroke, thrombolytic therapy was found to be of greater benefit to patients with lower NIHSS scores at baseline, or patients classified as posterior circulation infarction, than for patients with higher NIHSS scores or infarctions located in other brain regions. Thrombolytic therapy may exhibit long-term efficacy by improving the future quality of life for older stroke patients with fewer bleeding risk factors and lower baseline NIHSS scores.

Effects of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on functional status and disability in young stroke patients.

Background and purposeThe preponderance of evidence from recent studies in human subjects supports a negative effect of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on motor outcomes and motor recovery. However prior studies have generally reported the effect of the Met allele in older stroke patients, while potential effects in younger stroke patients have remained essentially unexamined. The lack of research in younger patients is significant since aging effects on CNS repair and functional recovery after stroke are known to interact with the effects of genetic polymorphisms. Here we present a study of first-ever ischemic stroke patients aged 15–49 years that examines the effect of Met carrier status on functional disability.Methods829 patients with a first ischemic stroke (Average age = 41.4 years, SD = 6.9) were recruited from the Baltimore-Washington region. Genotyping was performed at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR). Data cleaning and harmonization were done at the GEI-funded GENEVA Coordinating Center at the University of Washington. Our sample contained 165 Met carriers and 664 non-Met carriers. Modified Rankin scores as recorded at discharge were obtained from the hospital records by study personnel blinded to genotype, and binarized into “Good” versus “Poor” outcomes (mRS 0–2 vs. 3+), with mRS scores 3+ reflecting a degree of disability that causes loss of independence.ResultsOur analysis showed that the Met allele conveyed a proportionally greater risk for poor outcomes and disability-related loss of independence with mRS scores 3+ (adjusted OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.13–2.64, p = 0.01).ConclusionsThe BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was negatively associated with functional outcomes at discharge in our sample of 829 young stroke patients. This finding stands in contrast to what would be predicted under the tenets of the resource modulation hypothesis (i.e. that younger patients would be spared from the negative effect of the Met allele on recovery since it is posited to arise as a manifestation of age-related decline in physiologic resources).

Age differences in utilization and outcomes of tissue-plasminogen activator and mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke

Background and purposeU.S. demographics is shifting towards older population. Older stroke patients likely receive less tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA) and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) compared to younger patients. The objective of this study is to evaluate extent of difference in utilization of t-PA and MT and outcomes of stroke between three age groups −18–45 (young adults), 46–80 (middle/old), and > 80 (oldest old) years. MethodsIt is a retrospective cross-sectional observational study. Primary outcomes were rates of stroke intervention and effect of age on stroke intervention. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, discharge to home, and prolonged length of stay. Multivariate survey-logistic regression was performed to evaluate outcomes. ResultsAmong 487,105 patients in the study 4.8% were young adults, 66.6% middle/old, and 28.6% oldest old. Compared to young adults, middle/old received 19% (OR = 0.81; 95%CI = 0.72–0.91) less t-PA alone; and 33% (OR = 0.67; 95%CI = 0.53–0.83) less MT alone; oldest old received 25% less t-PA alone (OR = 0.75; 95%CI = 0.66–0.86) and 51% (OR = 0.49; 95%CI = 0.38–0.63) less MT alone.Compared to young adults, in-hospital mortality was three-fold higher among middle/old (OR = 3.5; 95%CI = 1.3–9.6), and seven-fold higher among oldest old (OR = 7.5; 95%CI = 2.8–20.5) for t-PA alone; discharge to home reduced by 40% in middle/old (OR = 0.6; 95%CI = 0.4–0.7) and by 80% in oldest old (OR = 0.2; 95%CI = 0.1–0.2) for t-PA alone and similarly for MT alone. ConclusionsOldest old receive one-fourth less t-PA and half less MT compared to young adults. Oldest old patients who received t-PA alone or MT alone had remarkably worse outcomes for in-hospital mortality and discharge to home than young adults did.

Current characteristics and early functional outcome of older stroke patients: a population-based study (Dijon Stroke Registry).

the ongoing growing and ageing population is associated with an increase in older patients suffering a stroke. We aimed to assess the current profile of these patients in a population-based setting. all patients with acute stroke were prospectively identified among residents of Dijon, France, between 2013 and 2017, using a population-based registry. Characteristics and early outcome of patients were compared according to age groups. 1,288 stroke cases were recorded (median age: 81.1years, interquartile range: 66.1-86.7, 54% women). Patients aged 75-85years and those >85years accounted for 27.6 and 33.9% of overall cases. Increasing age was associated with a greater prevalence of vascular risk factors, pre-existing cognitive impairment and handicap, higher initial severity, more frequent cardioembolic ischemic stroke, post-stroke pulmonary infection and delirium. Only 41% of patients aged 75-85years and 18% of those aged >85years had a good early recovery. Compared with patients aged <75years, patients aged 75-85years [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.61; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.74-3.93, P < 0.001] and those aged >85years (adjusted OR = 7.18; 95% CI: 4.58-11.3, P < 0.001) had an increased risk of poor post-stroke functional outcome. Among survivors, the proportion of patients discharged to home was 60% in age group <75years, compared with 49% in patients aged 75-85years and 29% in those aged >85years. Thirty per cent of patients >85years old required a long-term care institution. the increasing burden of stroke in older people has major implications for future treatment strategies and need for dedicated care facilities.

Red Cell Distribution Width as a Predictor of Functional Outcome in Rehabilitation of Older Stroke Patients.

BackgroundRed cell distribution width (RDW) is a prognostic marker in vascular diseases. While increased RDW predicts mortality and outcomes after ischemic stroke, evidence regarding its prognostic significance in stroke rehabilitation is lacking. Thus, the present study investigated the relationship of RDW with stroke, orthopedic, and deconditioning rehabilitation outcomes.MethodsThis prospective comparative study included three groups (stroke, orthopedic, and deconditioning) of older adult patients hospitalized for rehabilitation. The patients in each group were divided into two subgroups according to whether they had high (>14.5%) or normal (≤14.5%) RDW levels on admission. Functional outcome was assessed by total and motor FIM (Functional Independence Measure) score changes and efficiency at admission and on discharge.ResultsOf the 234 eligible patients, 108 (46.2%) had high RDW. Of the 50 stroke rehabilitation patients, 13 (26%) had high RDW. FIM change and efficiency scores were significantly lower in patients with high RDW only in the stroke rehabilitation group. However, multiple linear regression analysis showed that high RDW was not independently associated with total and motor FIM gain or total and motor FIM efficiency.ConclusionHigh RDW levels on admission to rehabilitation were associated with poor rehabilitation outcome in stroke patients but were not an independent risk factor for rehabilitation outcomes.

Investigating the needs of family caregivers of older stroke patients: a longitudinal study in Iran

BackgroundThe high burden of care associated with older stroke patients is a factor that threatens the health of family caregivers. Identifying the needs of family caregivers in this group of patients can help provide effective solutions. The present study aimed to determine the needs of family caregivers of older stroke patients.MethodsThe sample size of this longitudinal study included 200 family caregivers of older stroke patients from two hospitals in Iran. Data collection included demographics, responses to family caregivers’ needs questionnaires, and the Barthel Index which was taken in four stages including admission time, pre-discharge, two weeks and 12 weeks post-discharge.ResultsThe results showed that all participants at all stages of the study identified “respect for the patient when providing education, treatment, or rehabilitation” as one of their needs. There was a statistically significant relationship between the older adult survivor’s age and the number of family caregivers’ needs two weeks post-discharge (p = 0.012) and 12 weeks post-discharge (p = 0.008). There was a significant relationship between the patient’s hospitalization period and the number of caregivers’ needs three months after the patient’s discharge (p = 0.028), and a significant statistical relationship between the pre-discharge physiotherapy of the patients and the number of their caregivers’ needs during the two weeks post-discharge (p = 0.018). There was also a statistically significant relationship between the patient’s level of dependence and the number of caregivers’ needs (p = 0.0001). On the contrary, there was no significant relationship between the sex, place of living, and underlying disease history of the patient and the number of caregivers’ needs (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe results of the present research indicate that the total number of caregivers’ needs decreases with increasing duration of the disease. However, respite and care provision planning by other family members, seeking assistance from professional caregivers, and the search for community support resources can help reduce the burden of care of caregivers and give them the opportunity to meet their needs in different dimensions of patient care provided.

Geriatric assessment and rehabilitation in older stroke patients.

Geriatric assessment and rehabilitation in older stroke patients.