ABSTRACT

Objective : The objectives of this research were to investigate the correlation of post-stroke depression with cognition and upper extremity functions, and to determine whether changes in depression affect the cognition and upper extremity functions of patients with acute stroke. Methods : Fifteen patients who had their first stroke within the last 6 months and received rehabilitation in P rehabilitation hospital in Busan were selected for this study. They scored over 20 points in an Mini-Mental State Examination-Korean version (MMSE-K) test. The participants completed Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Korean version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-K), Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination (NCSE), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Tests. Data of the BDI were analysed and sorted into a depression group and non-depression group. After 8 weeks, the depression group was reassessed, and the data were analyzed for a depression-reduced group and a nonchange group. Results : Any correlation between BDI with cognitive and upper extremity functions was not found. However, it was found that a change in BDI score significantly correlates with changes in NCSE and FMA (p<.05). The depression-reduced group improved their upper extremity functions compared to the group showing no change in depression state(p<.05). Conclusion : A reduction in post-stroke depression can influence the functional recovery of the upper extremities. Therefore, post-stroke depression should be a concerned at the incipient rehabilitation stage.