%0 Journal Article %A Callaly, Elizabeth %A Gaynor, Eva %A Large, Margaret %A Conway, Orla %A Bennett, Kathleen %A Williams, David %A Dolan, Eamon %A Hickey, Anne %D 2019 %T Stroke survivor cognitive decline and psychological wellbeing of family caregivers five years post-stroke: a cross-sectional analysis %U https://repository.rcsi.com/articles/journal_contribution/Stroke_survivor_cognitive_decline_and_psychological_wellbeing_of_family_caregivers_five_years_post-stroke_a_cross-sectional_analysis/10771682 %2 https://repository.rcsi.com/ndownloader/files/19284332 %K Stroke %K cerebrovascular diseases %K cognitive impairment %K caregivers %K anxiety %K depression %K Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified %X

Background: Family members frequently provide long-term care for stroke survivors, which can lead to psychological strain, particularly in the presence of cognitive decline.

Objectives: To profile anxious and depressive symptoms of family caregivers at 5 years post-stroke, and to explore associations with stroke survivor cognitive decline.

Methods: As part of a 5-year follow-up of the Action on Secondary Prevention Interventions and Rehabilitation in Stroke (ASPIRE-S) cohort of stroke survivors, family members completed a self-report questionnaire. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed using the HADS-A and CES-D. Cognitive decline in stroke survivors was assessed from the caregiver’s perspective using the IQCODE, with cognitive performance assessed by the MoCA. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models.

Results: 78 family members participated; 25.5% exhibited depressive symptoms, 19.4% had symptoms of anxiety. Eleven stroke survivors (16.7%) had evidence of cognitive decline according to both the IQCODE and MoCA. Family members of stroke survivors with cognitive decline were significantly more likely to report symptoms of depression [age-adjusted OR (95% CI): 5.94 (1.14, 30.89)] or anxiety [age-adjusted OR (95% CI): 5.64 (1.24, 25.54)] than family members of stroke survivors without cognitive decline.

Conclusions: One-fifth of family caregivers exhibited symptoms of anxiety and one-quarter symptoms of depression at 5 years post-stroke. Stroke survivor cognitive decline was significantly associated with both depressive and anxious symptoms of family caregivers. Family members play a key role in the care and rehabilitation of stroke patients; enhancing their psychological wellbeing and identifying unmet needs are essential to improving outcomes for stroke survivors and families.

%I Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland