It is well known that stroke is not the number one neurological diagnosis of the elderly; it is however, the number one diagnosis seen by rehabilitation professionals. For years programs have been developed to assist patients after a stroke. Several tools or methods have been used to treat and assess outcomes for patients after a stroke. These range from polarity therapy to electrical stimulation. But is what is available the best evaluation method or treatment for patients after a stroke?

I believe this issue will address this question. I can think of no one better to address this than Richard Bohannon, along with all of his well-versed authors. Dr Bohannon has earned the greatest respect from me as a person and as an extremely prolific researcher and writer. I feel confident in knowing that when he takes pen to paper, the research is well thought out and the theories are well documented.

This particular issue struggles with many of the functional areas in stroke rehabilitation that are extremely important for therapist to address. Are we in fact providing the most effective evaluation and treatment tools for dysphagia, gait, aphasia, or sensory perception? Dr Bohannon and his authors have done a great job covering these topics.

I believe that since people are living longer, there is a greater chance for someone who is 70 to survive another 20 years with the impairments that could potentially be caused by a stroke. Therapists must be familiar with the most objective, efficacious treatment modalities for the population. Stroke may not be the number one diagnosis of the elderly but we need to be the number one professional who is apprised of the most recent literature in the area to help us provide the best treatment and improve the quality of life for our older patients.