The Psychological Effects of Stroke in the Elderly Elderly are continually faced with the debilitating effects of the aging process. Age-related diseases are part of the aging process that places the elderly population at risk of physical, mental and social inability to cope with their daily functioning. However, more than the external deleterious consequences of these diseases, it is the psychological ramifications they have on older adults that are worth investigating. Cerebrovascular accident or stroke is one of many age-related diseases that affect both the physical and psychological functioning of many older adults. To understand the extent of the effects of stroke on the elderly, this research paper will list the various physical, mental and social consequences of this disease. Furthermore, it will use the most recent studies to explain the consequences of these consequences on the cognitive, behavioral and emotional functioning of older adults. Additionally, this paper will discuss the psychological effects of caregiver burden that a spouse or immediate family member may experience while caring for a stroke victim. To better understand stroke, it is imperative to first take a closer look at the basic information and underlying factors surrounding this disease. Stroke is a serious and life-threatening disease that primarily affects the biological functioning of the brain. It is precipitated by an occlusion in the vascular system that supports and nourishes brain cells with oxygen and other vital minerals (Welch, 2008). The brain, deprived of the nutrients necessary to maintain its fundamental metabolic processes, is often irreversibly altered to the point of affecting the... center of paper... J. (2011). Differential aspects of stroke and congestive heart failure in reducing quality of life: a case series with three comparison groups. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 9, 65. Pohl, P. S., McDowd, J. M., Filion, D., Richards, L. G., Stiers, W., & Kluding, P. (2007). Change of activity after running. Physical Therapy, 87(1), 66-73. Rogalski, Y., Altmann, L. J. P., Plummer-D'Amato, P., Behrman, A. L., & Marsiske, M. (2010). Speech coherence and cognition after stroke: A dual-task study. Journal of Communication Disorders, 43(3), 212-224.Thompson, H., & Ryan, A. (2009). The impact of stroke consequences on marital relationships from the perspective of the stroke victim. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 18(12), 1803-1811. Welch, R. (2008). Considering the psychological effects of stroke. British Journal of Health Care Assistants, 2(7), 335-346.