Influence of ischemic stroke on the frailty process of older adults

Abstract

Introduction: Older adults may become fragile by different mechanisms that influence homeostasis, such as stroke. Objective: To investigate the relation of stroke with the frailty process in older adults, correlating body mass index, functional aspects and resulting deficits. Methods: A case-control study was performed between February and November 2015. Patients aged 60 years and older, who had suffered ischemic stroke, were evaluated using the Kihon Checklist (KCL), the modified Rankin Scale, and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Baseline data included pre-stroke information and follow-up data obtained one month after discharge. The statistical analysis was performed by paired t-test and Friedman non-parametric test. Results: The study was conducted on 16 older adults (72.19±7.20 years old), making evident the influence of stroke on the frailty process (p<0.005). After stroke, an increase was observed in the mean scores domains: total KCL score (p=0.001); instrumental activities of daily living (p=0.001); physical (p=0.002); socialization (p=0.006); mood (p=0.004). Conclusions: A significant worsening of frailty was observed after stroke. KCL was satisfactory to evaluate frailty pre and post-stroke due to its applicability and coverage of the main aspects of frailty in older adults.