Cognitive impairment and functional ability in the acute phase of ischemic stroke

Acute ischemic stroke significantly affects cognitive efficiency and functional ability, primarily physical ability. Decreased cognitive efficiency is often in correlation with decreased functional ability following an ischemic stroke. The aim of the study was to determine whether there is cognitive impairment in patients with preserved physical ability in acute ischemic stroke, and if so, determine whether there is a significant correlation with the functional, i.e. physical status.

The study included a total of 80 subjects: 40 subjects (26 male and 14 female) in the acute phase of ischemic stroke and 40 healthy subjects (20 male and 20 female) with no history of neurological disease. Both groups were matched with regard to basic sociodemographic characteristics. The cognitive status was evaluated using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, while physical status was assessed using the modified Rankin scale. Cognitive performance was presented using the following seven cognitive domains: executive function, immediate recall, delayed recall, speech, divergent thinking, attention and concentration, and visual-constructive performance.

The two groups differed in all the studied cognitive domains, with acute ischemic stroke subjects achieving poorer results. There was no correlation between the cognitive status and the functional, i.e.physical ability in the acute ischemic stroke group.

The results showed significant impairment in all cognitive domains in the acute phase of ischemic stroke, regardless of the preserved functional, i.e. physical ability of these patients.