Changes in cognitive functions and self-rated health of patients with stroke during hospital rehabilitation

Abstract

Background: Approval of integration of health psychologists within rehabilitation team still needs continuing investigation. The aim: to assess changes in cognitive functions and self – rated health assessment during the period of inpatient rehabilitation of patients who had a stroke. Method: A total of 65 patients after stroke in Klaipėda Seamenۥs Hospital, Neurology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit participated in the study and 17 of them were admitted to the second stage of rehabilitation. The average age is 70.3 years, and the standard deviation is 12.3. There were 30 men and 35 women among those who participated in the study. The data was collected using two methods: (1) structured interview (subjective health assessment questionnaire, demographic data and MMSE), (2) analysis of medical documents. The study was performed in 3 stages: First was performed at the beginning of inpatient rehabilitation stage (I assessment), at the end of first rehabilitation (II assessment) and at the end of II inpatient rehabilitation stage (III assessment). Findings: The study confirmed that the age of patients have influence on their cognitive functions indicators and subjective assessment of their health. Depressed patients who are in a bad mood typically assess their health as worse. During the rehabilitation, the memory, special orientation, reading skills, are restored the best. Cognitive functions of women are restored better than the ones of men. Discussion: As Health changes are significant in whole rehabilitation process, the health psychologist may facilitate physician’s work related to patients’ psychological problems.