Optimism may lower stroke severity, inflammation: Study

Stroke survivors with high levels of optimism may have lower inflammation levels, reduced stroke severity, and less physical disability after three months, according to a study.

Researchers from The University of Texas in the US, examined the relationship among optimism, inflammation, stroke severity, and physical disability for three months after a stroke, in a study of 49 stroke survivors.

Understanding how these elements relate to or impact one another may provide a scientific framework to develop new strategies for stroke recovery, they said.

"Our results suggest that optimistic people have a better disease outcome, thus boosting morale may be an ideal way to improve mental health, and recovery after a stroke," said Yun-Ju Lai, a postdoctoral fellow at The University of Texas.

Post-stroke inflammation is detrimental to the brain and impairs recovery.

Optimism has been associated with lower inflammation levels and improved health outcomes among people with medical conditions, the ..