(Sandee LaMotte/ CNN) — Having a stroke is no laughing matter. But if you can stay optimistic about your recovery, a new study says you may be able to speed up your healing and reduce disability.
Higher levels of optimism in stroke survivors was associated with reduced stroke severity, less physical disability and lower levels of inflammation at the end of three months, according to preliminary research presented at the American Stroke Association’s 2020 International Stroke Conference on February 12.
“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 first author Yun-Ju Lai, in a statement.
“Patients and their families should know the importance of a positive environment that could benefit the patient,” said Lai, a registered nurse and postdoctoral fellow in the neurology department at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. (…)