Abstract: Objective To observe the effects of individual occupational therapy on cognitive impairment of elderly with stroke. Methods 60 elderly stroke patients with cognitive impairment were divided into treatment group (n=30) and control group (n=30). All the patients accepted routine rehabilitation, and the treatment group accepted individual occupational therapy in addition. They were evaluated with Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and modified Barthel index (MBI) before and after treatment. Results The score of MMSE increased significantly in the treatment group after treatment (P<0.001), but was not different significantly in the control group (P>0.05). The score of MBI increased significantly in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and increased more in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion Individual occupational therapy can improve the cognitive function and the activities of daily living for the elderly stroke patients with cognitive impairment.

Key words: stroke, cognition, occupational therapy, activities of daily living