Cognitive Functions after Carotid Artery Stenting-1-Year Follow-Up Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Surgery
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Carotid artery revascularization reduces stroke risk and enhances cognitive function.
• Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a common procedure for treating carotid atherosclerosis.
• The impact of CAS on specific cognitive domains requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate cognitive function changes in patients following CAS.
• To test the hypothesis that CAS improves psychomotor speed, visuospatial episodic memory, executive function, and verbal fluency.
• To track these cognitive changes over a 12-month follow-up period.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 47 patients undergoing CAS was assessed.
• Cognitive functions were evaluated using a battery of psychological tests (DS, ROCF, WCST, LVF) pre-procedure and at 12 months post-procedure.
• Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected via questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in psychomotor speed, visuospatial episodic memory, and executive function one year after CAS.
• No significant changes or decline were noted in verbal fluency.
• Cognitive benefits were observed in patients with carotid atherosclerosis treated with CAS.

Conclusions:

• Carotid artery stenting demonstrates a positive effect on cognitive functioning in patients with carotid atherosclerosis.
• The procedure enhances both basic and complex cognitive abilities.
• CAS is a viable option for improving cognitive outcomes in this patient population.