Exploring the experience of cognitive changes among community-dwelling stroke survivors: a qualitative study.
- Resource Type
- Academic Journal
- Authors
- Bennett KJ; Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.; Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.; Leese J; Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.; Centre for Implementation Research at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.; Davis JC; Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.; Applied Health Economics Laboratory, Faculty of Management, University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada.; Eng JJ; Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.; Rehabilitation Research Program, G. F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, Canada.; Liu-Ambrose T; Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.; Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
- Source
- Publisher: Taylor & Francis Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 9207179 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1464-5165 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 09638288 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Disabil Rehabil Subsets: MEDLINE
- Subject
- Language
- English
Purpose: Cognitive deficits are common among stroke survivors and impact their functional independence. Despite the prevalence of cognitive deficits after stroke, cognitive function is largely overlooked in post-stroke care. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of individuals living with post-stroke cognitive changes to understand the impact of these changes on their daily lives.
Materials and Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of thirteen community-dwelling adults 50 years and older with chronic stroke who self-identified cognitive changes post-stroke. Interviews were transcribed and an inductive thematic analysis was completed.
Results: Four key themes were identified: 1) inability to maintain everyday activities; 2) experiencing emotional responses to living with post-stroke cognitive changes; 3) a shrinking social world and; 4) seeking care for cognitive health post-stroke.
Conclusions: Post-stroke cognitive changes were described by participants as a driving force behind negative shifts in their daily lives, emotional health, and social connections after stroke. Despite seeking care for their post-stroke cognitive changes, many participants were unable to find support in mainstream healthcare. There is a demonstrated need to further elucidate the gaps in care for post-stroke cognitive deficits and implement community interventions targeting cognitive health post-stroke.