Executive functions and their influence on quality of life and autonomy in stroke patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62305/biosana.v5i5.817Keywords:
executive function; quality of life; personal autonomy; strokeAbstract
Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting not only motor skills but also higher cognitive processes such as executive functions (EF). The objective of this narrative review was to examine how deficits in EF impact the autonomy and quality of life of stroke survivors. A search was conducted in databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, Google Scholar) between June and September 2024, including articles that addressed this relationship. The analysis of 12 studies showed that impairments in key executive components—working memory, processing speed, cognitive flexibility, and decision-making: severely restrict performance in daily tasks. This deterioration impacts both basic and instrumental activities of daily living, reducing functional independence and increasing caregiver burden. It is concluded that EF impairment is a determining factor in post-stroke quality of life. Therefore, implementing early systematic assessments and interdisciplinary interventions (e.g., occupational therapy and cognitive rehabilitation) is essential to promote autonomy and social reintegration.
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