In-patient rehabilitation of elderly stroke patients

The influence of age on major parameters of rehabilitative work was examined. The study population consisted of all patients after first brain stroke admitted to Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital in a 5-year period. Patients were divided by age (<65 vs >65 years) and presence of special syndromes (neglect, aphasia). The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was administered at admission and at discharge. Rehabilitation efficiency was determined by dividing the FIM gain by the length of stay. The older group was characterized by more clinical risk factors and poorer function at all time points; however, the difference in FIM gain by age was statistically significant only for the Motor FIM. Younger patients with special syndromes had longer lengths of stay. No significant differences were found regarding efficiency parameter. Older patients after first stroke have a good potential for recovery but they are more affected by the presence of special syndromes.