[Depression: an underrated consequence of stroke in elderly].

Stroke is a major cause of morbidity, disability and hospitalization in the elderly. Depression frequently occurs after stroke and influences functional recovery, a crucial factor for the prognosis. The physiopathology of post-stroke depression is not entirely elucidated and might involve several mechanisms: direct consequences of brain lesions, especially in certain localizations, neuroendocrine mechanism or psychological reaction to a life event responsible for stress and handicap. Antidepressant drugs improve depressive symptoms and functional recovery. Therefore, search for depression should be systematic early at the stroke reeducation phase to instaure appropriate treatment.