J Geriatr Psych Neur
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J Geriatr Psych Neur · Jan 2019
Screening for Post-Stroke Depression and Cognitive Impairment at Baseline Predicts Long-Term Patient-Centered Outcomes After Stroke.
Independence and reintegration into community roles are important patient-centered outcomes after stroke. Depression and cognitive impairment are common post-stroke conditions that may impair long-term function even years after a stroke. However, screening for these post-stroke comorbidities remains infrequent in stroke prevention clinics and the utility of this screening for predicting long-term higher-level function has not been evaluated. ⋯ Baseline DOC screening in stroke prevention clinics shows that symptoms of depression and cognitive impairment are independent predictors of impaired higher-level functioning and community reintegration 2 to 3 years after stroke. Novel rehabilitation and psychological interventions targeting people with these conditions are needed to improve long-term patient-centered outcomes.