Post-Stroke Depression Among African-American Elders

ABSTRACT

In the United States, the expanding 65 and older population comprises 13% of the total population (U.S. Census, 2000, population estimates; projections). African-Americans will be the largest segment of Non-Caucasians 65 and older (Administration on Aging, [AoA], statistics, 2005). Post-stroke depression (PSD), is a common post-stroke consequence (May et al., 2002; American Stroke Association [ASA], 2005, behavior changes). Existent research on PSD focuses predominantly on Caucasian Americans. To my knowledge, no singular study examines the effects of PSD among African-American older persons. This article provides information that reveals the need to examine African-American elders in relation to PSD.

Key Words:

• African-American
• stroke
• depression
• racial ethnic disparities
• risk factors