Cognitive Recovery After Poststroke Delirium (RECOVER): Protocol for a Longitudinal Multimodal Study on Cognitive...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Poststroke delirium (PSD) is a severe complication in acute stroke patients.
• PSD is linked to longer hospital stays, higher mortality, and increased disability.
• The exact impact of PSD on cognitive impairment, particularly memory, remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the short- and long-term effects of stroke and PSD on cognitive outcomes.
• To establish a protocol for repeated multimodal cognitive assessments in stroke patients.
• To differentiate between stroke-related and PSD-related cognitive deficits.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal proof-of-concept study protocol was developed.
• Utilizes a multimodal approach including a neuropsychological app and task-based functional MRI (working memory task).
• Assesses 40 acute stroke patients (PSD group vs. non-PSD control) acutely and at 3-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Study funded in Dec 2023; recruitment ongoing until Dec 2025.
• 15 patients included as of May 2025.
• Findings expected in summer 2026.

Conclusions:

• This protocol addresses a critical gap in understanding cognitive functions in stroke patients with and without delirium.
• Provides groundwork for future large-scale research on PSD's contribution to cognitive impairment.
• Aims to enhance understanding of PSD's role in poststroke cognitive deficits.