OBJECTIVES: To examine the recovery of cognitive function, activities of daily living (ADL) ability and vocational situation after stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects below 65 years of age were included. Cognitive function and personal and instrumental ADL were assessed at discharge and at 1 year. Pre-stroke vocational situation was recorded at baseline and at 1 and 3 years after discharge.

RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients participated. During the first year after discharge, cognitive function and ADL ability improved. At 1 year after discharge, 83% still had cognitive dysfunction, 20% were dependent in ADL and few had returned to work. Only 20% returned to gainful employment 3 years later.

CONCLUSIONS: There was a recovery of cognition and ADL function after stroke but few persons returned to work. Good neurological status was found to be a significant factor and recovery of cognitive function a near-significant factor for return to work.