Background: For several years, the burden of stroke in very old patients has been increasing in western countries. Nevertheless, we have little information about this new challenge in individuals >= 80. Methods: We ascertained all first-ever strokes in the population of Dijon, France (150,000 inhabitants), from 1985 to 2006. The incidence of stroke, risk factors, clinical presentation, resource mobilization and 1-month outcome were evaluated in individuals >= 80 and compared to the data obtained in younger patients. Results: We collected 1,410 first-ever strokes in people >= 80 years (39%) versus 2,130 in those <80 years. The incidence was 997/100,000, and 68/100,000, respectively. Over the 22 years, the incidence of stroke in individuals >= 80 years rose significantly. A lower prevalence of diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and alcohol intake, as well as a higher prevalence of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, previous myocardial infarction and use of prestroke antiplatelet agents were noted in patients >= 80 years. The clinical presentation was severer and the 1-month outcome in terms of case fatality and handicap was worse, despite improvements observed over time. Finally, in patients >= 80 years, the use of CT scan, MRI, cervical Doppler, angiography and carotid surgery were significantly lower than for younger patients. Length of stay >30 days was more frequent, and discharge to prestroke residence was less common. However, all these improved between the first and the last study periods. Conclusions: Our findings have important implications not only for clinical management but also for initiating preventive strategies and health policy. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel
