Neglect of Older People: Touching on Forensic and Pathophysiological Aspects.

Background And Objectives: Neglect of older people is common and may result in fatal and nonfatal outcomes. Normal changes of aging and disease-related symptoms may overlap with markers of neglect and lead to under-detection. This review aims to delineate medical, psychiatric, and pathophysiological indicators in the victim-identified in forensic case reports-to point out areas of overlap and raise awareness in Health Care Professionals.

A longitudinal study examining the independence of apathy and depression after stroke: the Sydney Stroke Study.

Background: There is growing recognition that apathy is not only a symptom of depression but may be an independent syndrome. This is the first study to investigate the relationship of apathy and depression longitudinally following stroke and to examine the association with dementia.

Method: 106 consecutive eligible participants following stroke received extensive medical, psychiatric and neuropsychological assessments at three to six months (index assessment) and 15 months (follow-up assessment) after their stroke.

Mortality and institutionalization in early survivors of stroke: the effects of cognition, vascular mild cognitive impairment, and vascular dementia.

We explored th effects of vascular mild cognitive impairment (VaMCI), vascular dementia (VaD), and other predictors on mortality and institutionalization in early survivors of ischemic stroke without previous dementia who had been admitted to a stroke unit. A total of 202 consecutive consenting eligible ischemic stroke survivors and a matched sample of 97 community controls were followed for up to 10 years. Data for 167 patients who underwent detailed assessment 3-6 months after stroke were analyzed to determine predictors of outcomes.

Do people become more apathetic as they grow older? A longitudinal study in healthy individuals.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine levels, rates and progression of apathy in healthy older persons and to investigate factors associated with its progression.

Methods: Seventy-six healthy elderly subjects, aged 58-85 years (mean 69.9), who were recruited by general advertisement and through local community groups, participated as a control group for a longitudinal study of stroke patients.

The determinants and longitudinal course of post-stroke mild cognitive impairment.

While post-stroke dementia has been extensively investigated, the large number of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) following stroke has received less attention, and reports on the longitudinal course of such impairment are inconsistent in their findings. We examined patients with MCI (n = 45) or no cognitive impairment (NCI) (n = 59), based on consensus criteria following detailed neuropsychological assessments and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and compared them with healthy control subjects (n = 84), all of whom were assessed at two time points, 3 years apart. The MCI at baseline in this group was judged to be vascular in etiology (vaMCI).

Who does well after a stroke? The Sydney stroke study.

Research addressing positive outcomes one year after stroke has been limited. The sample comprised 125 participants with complete Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale scores at baseline ( approximately 4 months after ischaemic stroke) and at follow-up (1 year later), 31 persons were defined as having a favourable outcome (an MMSE score of >or=28/30 and combined ADL/IADL score equal to 14/14 at follow-up) and 94 as having a poorer outcome. Predictors of a favourable outcome following stroke included being younger, having higher premorbid IQ, no atrial fibrillation, no dementia, less apathy and fewer intercurrent cerebrovascular events.

Rates of depression at 3 and 15 months poststroke and their relationship with cognitive decline: the Sydney Stroke Study.

Objective: To investigate the frequency and correlates of depression at 3 and 15 months after stroke.

Methods: A total of 164 consecutive eligible stroke patients and 100 comparison subjects received extensive medical, psychiatric, and neuropsychological assessments; a subset also received magnetic resonance imaging scans. Comprehensive assessments included ratings for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition major or minor depression at 3-6 months (index assessment) and 15 months (follow-up assessment) after stroke.

Frequency and clinical, neuropsychological and neuroimaging correlates of apathy following stroke - the Sydney Stroke Study.

Background: The frequency and clinical, neuropsychological and neuroimaging correlates of apathy in patients who have had a stroke are inadequately defined.

Method: A total of 167 consecutive patients admitted to the stroke units of two university hospitals after an ischaemic stroke and 109 controls received extensive medical, psychiatric and neuropsychological assessments; a subset received a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. The groups were matched for sex and age.