Rehabilitation after ischemic stroke in the elderly

The aim of the rehabilitation after stroke is the recovery of the best functioning, by stimulation of cerebral plasticity and functional compensation while preventing complications. The capacity of recovery in the ageing subject depends on previous physiological and psychological status, previous medical history, specially previous brain lesions, and stroke severity. Rehabilitation is best to be conducted in specialised Physical and Medicine Rehabilitation Units, in which the functional and vital prognosis is improved by specialised interdisciplinary teams. Its goal is to obtain the best autonomy possible in the usual environment. Age by itself should not be a criteria for admission in such units.