Why are women struggling to recover from strokes?

Recovering from a stroke can be overwhelming for anyone. Not only do women experience strokes differently than men, but research also shows they often face a harder and longer recovery too.

Many women have difficulty returning to daily activities, like walking, cooking or dressing themselves, months or even a year after a stroke. The study also notes that women experience more severe strokes, leading to greater difficulty with long-term outcomes. Overall, the challenging recovery isn’t for lack of strength or effort but is tied to physical, emotional and social circumstances that affect women differently than men.

“Stroke recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all,” says Dr. Amanda Willcox, a neurologist at Aurora Health Care. “We’re learning more about how women’s needs differ from men’s and how the needs factor into the entire process, from follow-up care to rehab to in-home support.”

Why women tend to have a tougher time

For a few major reasons, post-stroke recovery is proving more difficult for women than men.

• Age: Women typically have strokes later in life than men, and their brains and bodies may heal more slowly with increased age. And because older women are more likely to have other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or arthritis, rehab can be more complicated.
• Mental and emotional health: Women are more likely to experience depression or anxiety after a stroke, which can make it harder to stay motivated or engaged in therapy.
• Social life and support: Many women lack daily support or live alone in their later years, making it difficult to keep up with exercises, medications and follow-up care. Some women might also feel pressure to return to caregiving roles, even when their own recovery should be the priority.

How to ensure a successful recovery

How family members, friends and broader care teams support women after a stroke can make a meaningful difference in recovery. Here are some ways you can assist:

• Help them focus on healing and remind them that recovery takes time.
• Encourage light strength training and aerobic exercise to rebuild their strength if they are cleared to do so by their doctor.
• Offer practical help with meals, transportation, medications or household chores.
• Attend doctor or therapy appointments to help them stay engaged and informed.
• Be patient with mood changes, fatigue or frustration, which are common.
• Watch for signs of depression or anxiety and encourage them to speak with their doctor if symptoms arise.
• Celebrate their progress, even when healing feels slow.

“It’s important to consider how a loved one will manage their recovery once they leave the hospital, especially when basic functions like walking, talking and eating are affected,” Dr. Willcox says. “Care teams and families can and should work together to ensure a strong support network is in place.”

Want to learn about your risk for stroke? Take a free online quiz.