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Infection, Inflammation, and Poststroke Cognitive Impairment.
Elise Milosevich1, Nele Demeyere1,2, Sarah T Pendlebury2,3
1Department of Experimental Psychology University of Oxford Oxford UK.
Journal of the American Heart Association
|January 12, 2024
Summary
Post-stroke infections are common and linked to cognitive impairment. Inflammatory biomarkers were not associated with cognitive decline, suggesting infection is a key target for reducing post-stroke cognitive impairment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Infection and inflammation are recognized dementia risk factors in population studies.
- Research on their impact post-stroke is limited.
- This study investigates post-stroke infection and inflammatory markers' association with cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of infection and inflammatory biomarkers after stroke.
- To assess their association with acute and 6-month cognitive impairment.
- To identify potential targets for mitigating post-stroke cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort of 255 stroke patients was studied.
- Cognitive function was assessed using the Oxford Cognitive Screen at ≤2 weeks and 6 months.
- Infection, inflammatory markers (CRP, WBC, N/L ratio), and systemic inflammatory response syndrome were recorded during hospitalization.
Main Results:
- Infection was present in 35.3% of patients, primarily pneumonia and urinary tract infections.
- Elevated inflammatory markers and systemic inflammatory response syndrome were also common.
- Infection, particularly severe infection, was associated with acute and 6-month cognitive impairment (P<0.05adj).
Conclusions:
- Infection is common post-stroke and linked to cognitive impairment.
- Routine inflammatory biomarkers showed no significant association with cognitive impairment.
- Targeting infection may be a viable strategy to reduce post-stroke cognitive impairment.
