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Updated: May 23, 2026

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Medial temporal atrophy and memory dysfunction in poststroke cognitive impairment-no dementia
Beom Joon Kim1, Mi-Young Oh, Myung Suk Jang
1Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Background And Purpose:
It was recently reported that the prevalence of poststroke memory dysfunction might be higher than previously thought. Stroke may exist concomitantly with underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD), and so we determined whether post-stroke memory dysfunction indicates manifestation of underlying subclinical AD.
Methods:
Of 1201 patients in a prospective cognitive assessment database, we enrolled subjects with poststroke amnestic vascular cognitive impairment-no dementia (aVCIND; n=48), poststroke nonamnestic vascular cognitive impairment-no dementia (naVCIND; n=50), and nonstroke amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI; n=65). All subjects had cognitive deficits, but did not meet the criteria for dementia. A standardized neuropsychological test battery and magnetic resonance imaging were performed at least 90 days after the index stroke (mean, 473 days). Visual assessment of medial temporal atrophy (MTA) was used as a measure of underlying AD pathology.
Results:
The MTA score was significantly lower in the naVCIND group (0.64±0.85, mean±SD) than in the aVCIND (1.10±1.08) and aMCI (1.45±1.13; p<0.01) groups. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that compared with naVCIND, aVCIND [odds ratio (OR)=2.69; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.21-5.99] and aMCI (OR=5.20; 95% CI=2.41-11.23) were significantly associated with increasing severity of MTA.
Conclusions:
Our findings show that compared with poststroke naVCIND, the odds of having more-severe MTA were increased for poststroke aVCIND and nonstroke aMCI.
Insights
Post-stroke memory problems may signal underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD). Amnestic vascular cognitive impairment after stroke, like mild cognitive impairment, shows more medial temporal atrophy, suggesting AD pathology.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Post-stroke memory dysfunction prevalence may be underestimated.
- Stroke can co-occur with underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if post-stroke memory dysfunction indicates subclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Main Methods:
- Compared medial temporal atrophy (MTA) in patients with post-stroke amnestic (aVCIND) and nonamnestic (naVCIND) vascular cognitive impairment-no dementia, and non-stroke amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).
- Utilized neuropsychological testing and MRI at least 90 days post-stroke.
- Assessed MTA visually as a marker for AD pathology.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower MTA scores in the naVCIND group compared to aVCIND and aMCI groups.
- Increased odds of severe MTA associated with post-stroke aVCIND and non-stroke aMCI compared to naVCIND.
Conclusions:
- Post-stroke amnestic vascular cognitive impairment (aVCIND) and non-stroke amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) are associated with increased medial temporal atrophy (MTA) compared to nonamnestic vascular cognitive impairment (naVCIND).
- Findings suggest a potential link between certain post-stroke cognitive deficits and underlying Alzheimer's disease pathology.
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