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Vascular cognitive disorders: memory, mental speed and cognitive flexibility after stroke
S M C Rasquin1, F R J Verhey, R Lousberg
1Institute of Brain and Behaviour, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|November 6, 2002
Summary
Cognitive function generally improves six months after a first stroke, particularly in younger individuals. Older and female patients experienced more cognitive disturbances, indicating age and sex as potential risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuropsychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, often resulting in cognitive impairment.
- Understanding the trajectory of cognitive disorders post-stroke is crucial for patient management and rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cognitive disorder occurrence 1 and 6 months after a first-ever stroke.
- To identify age, sex, and education as risk factors for vascular cognitive disorders.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 139 first-ever stroke patients (age ≥40) were assessed at 1 and 6 months.
- Cognitive domains including memory, simple speed, cognitive flexibility, and overall functioning were evaluated.
- Patients were compared to a healthy control group matched for age, sex, and education.
Main Results:
- A significant proportion of patients showed cognitive improvement by 6 months post-stroke.
- Most patients remained stable across cognitive domains, with substantial improvement observed in many.
- Older age and female sex were associated with increased cognitive disturbances.
Conclusions:
- The prognosis for cognitive functioning after stroke is generally favorable, especially for younger patients.
- Age and sex are identified as risk factors influencing cognitive outcomes post-stroke.
- Simple speed showed minimal change, while other cognitive domains demonstrated improvement or stability.