Expectations of institutionalised older persons suffering from stroke

Abstract

Stroke ranks as one of the three main causes of mortality in the developed world. A stroke can be devastating to individuals and their families, robbing them of their independence. It also the most common cause of disability among adults. Many deaths attributed to bronchopneumonia, heart attack or merely old age may have actually occurred following stroke. Many mitd strokes may never be recognised as such and therefore may never be reported. Stroke is a huge problem in witch incidence is linked with that of coronary heart disease and other pathologies of the vascular system. The incidence of stroke is heavily age-related but although stroke is perceived to be a disease of the elderly, it can occur any age. More than 1300 Americans suffer a stroke daily. About one-third of these people die, another third are permanently disabled. Today, more than 2 million suffer long-term disabilities from stroke including paralysis, loss of speech, and lapses of memory. (National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke). The incidence of stroke rises exponentially with age, and "one would therefore expect an increase in stroke in an ageing population" (Malmgren et al, 1989). "The incidence of stroke appears to be on the rise, leading to the prediction of increased stroke related disability in the older population". (J.N. Health policy-and Planning; 1995, 10, 1, Mar, 1-12).