A Longitudinal View of Apathy and Its Impact After Stroke

• DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.109.554410
• Publication Date: 2009-08-28T02:07:34Z
• Authors: Nancy E. Mayo; Lesley K. Fellows; Susan C. Scott; Jill Cameron; Sharon Wood-Dauph...
• Keywords: Apathy; Stroke

Background and Purpose— Stroke survivors are often described as apathetic. Because apathy may be a barrier to participation in promising therapies, more needs learned about symptoms after stroke. The specific objective was estimate the extent which changes with time over first year stroke impact of on recovery. Methods— Apathy Assessed cohort formed from participating longitudinal study health-related quality life A family caregiver completed an questionnaire by telephone at 1, 3, 6, 12 months (n=408). Group-based trajectory modeling ordinal regression were used identify distinctive groups individuals similar trajectories predictors trajectory. Results— Both 3- 5-group models fit data. We model because potential further explore construct. largest group (50%) had low 33% minor that remained stable throughout small proportion (3%) sample high high. Two other almost equal size (7%) showed worsening improving apathy. Poor cognitive status, functional comorbidity predicted higher High significant negative effect physical function, participation, health perception, Conclusion— Some degree prevalent persistent older age, poor status Even level important statistically outcomes.