Abstract

Background: Intensive inpatient rehabilitation is well known to have positive impacts on functional recovery of patients who sustained stroke. However, there is limited understanding of the effectiveness of rehabilitation in elderly patients, particularly those over 85. This entity faces unique challenges due to age-related factors and potential exclusion from intensive rehabilitation. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge on how rehabilitation impact elderly patients is required. Methods: In order to consolidate current understanding regarding the effectiveness of stroke rehabilitation in the oldest-old (85+) patients, a literature search was conducted to gather all available evidence studying rehabilitation outcome measures in the over-85 age group. Results: Limited number of literatures addressed the impact of stroke rehabilitation on the oldest-old group of patients. Outcome measures used to assess the effectiveness of inpatient rehabilitation included Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Barthel Index (BI), Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) and Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Score (DOSS). These measures collectively showed significant improvement in function at discharge compared to admission. A general trend of reduced functional gain in older age group was observed, although the statistical significance of the different between younger and older patients varied. Conclusion: Although the effective of stroke rehabilitation is reduced in patients aged over 85 years old, the functional gains achieved by these patients remains invaluable across all age groups. Therefore, stroke rehabilitation should be provided to the oldest-old group of patients without discrimination.

Keywords

stroke, cerebrovascular accident, inpatient rehabilitation, oldest old patients, over 85 years