Stroke researchers link ability to self administer medication after stroke with memory loss

Kessler stroke researchers and colleagues have identified an association between over-optimistic estimation of medication self-administration (MSA)ability and memory loss among stroke survivors. Results indicate that assessing patients for their ability to estimate medication skills accurately may predict memory disorder.
Researchers compared 24 stroke survivors with 17 controls, using the Hopkins Medication Schedule to assess MSA, the Geriatric Depression Scale to assess mood, and the Hopkins Verbal Test and Mini-Mental State Examination to assess memory. Results showed that stroke survivors over-estimated their MSA in comparison to controls. Over-estimation of MSA correlated strongly with verbal memory deficit.
Strategies that enhance adherence to medication are a public health priority.