OBJECTIVE: The objective was to analyze the functional capacity and quality of life of elderly individuals with ischemic stroke comparing these with and without dysphagia. METHOD: Cross sectional study was realized in 60 elderly individuals after ischemic stroke, 30 with dysphagia and 30 without. Their cognitive state was evaluated with the Mini-Mental test. The scales used were: KATZ, Lawton, Barthel and SF-36. RESULTS: The functional capacity was similar in both groups studied. In the SF-36, the group without dysphagia presented more pain and a better general health. Functional capacity, physical limitations those due to emotional aspects, general state of health , social vitality, mental health limitation were similar in both groups. Among men, for all scales used, functional capacity was similar. Among women, functional capacity was similar in both groups; however, in the quality of life, the domain "vitality" was higher in the group without dysphagia. The income bracket did not influence the functional capacity or the quality of life. There was no difference between groups whether they had or not a care provider. CONCLUSIONS: 1) functional capacity was similar in both groups studied. 2) the group without dysphagia presented better general health.
Elderly vital capacity; Stroke; Deglutition disorders
