Cognitive dysfunction predicts worse health-related quality of life for older stroke survivors: a nationwide population-based survey in Taiwan

Objectives: This study investigated the associations of cognitive status with specific/overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older stroke survivors in Taiwan. Method: A subsample of 592 older stroke survivors in a nationwide population-based survey of cognitive-dysfunction prevalencewas analyzed. HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D). Results: Stroke survivors with dementia were 5.60 times more likely to have mobility problems, 12.20 times to have self-care problems, 16.61 times to have problems in usual activities, 4.31 times to have pain/discomfort, and 3.28 times to have anxiety/depression than stroke survivors with normal cognitive function. Stroke survivors with mild cognitive dysfunction (MCD) were 2.57 times more likely to have mobility problems, 3.17 times to have self-care problems, 3.31 times to have problems in usual activities, 2.11 times to have pain/discomfort, and 2.35 times to have anxiety/depression than those with normal cognitive function. Both dementia (b = −15.13, p < .001) and MCD (b = −6.24, p < .001) significantly contributed to lower EQ-5D VAS; both dementia (b = −.15, p < .001) and MCD (b = −.10, p < .001) significantly contributed to lower EQ-5D index. Conclusion: Dementia and MCD strongly predicted worse overall and specific HRQoL dimensions, especially self-care and usual activities for older stroke survivors.