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Published on: December 16, 2022
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Motor Impairment Three Months Post Stroke Implies A Corresponding Cognitive Deficit
Sonja Verstraeten1, Ruth E Mark2, Jeanne Dieleman3
1Department of Medical Psychology, Máxima Medical Center, The Netherlands.
Summary
Motor impairment after stroke signals likely cognitive deficits. Objective motor assessments effectively predict cognitive decline, highlighting the need for comprehensive evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Stroke frequently causes both motor and cognitive impairments.
- Historically, early stroke treatment prioritizes motor deficit recovery over cognitive aspects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between motor and cognitive performance in stroke survivors.
- To determine if motor performance predicts cognitive functioning at three months post-stroke.
Main Methods:
- 142 stroke patients and 135 controls were assessed.
- Motor function evaluated using objective (Purdue Pegboard Test) and subjective (Frenchay Activities Index, Barthel Index) measures.
- Cognitive functions (processing speed, working memory, flexibility) assessed via objective tasks; data analyzed with correlation and regression.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations observed between motor and cognitive functioning in stroke patients.
- Objective motor task performance was a stronger predictor of cognitive deficit than subjective measures.
- This association was independent of stroke severity.
Conclusions:
- Motor impairment at three months post-stroke indicates a high likelihood of co-occurring cognitive impairment.
- Healthcare professionals should use motor deficits as a "red flag" to prompt cognitive evaluation.
- Integrated assessment and treatment of both motor and cognitive deficits are crucial for stroke recovery.
