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Cognition in stroke
J V Bowler1, U Hadar, J P Wade
1Regional Neurosciences Centre, Charing Cross Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Cognitive changes after cerebral infarction, particularly global effects, are understudied. This research found minimal memory deficits and predominantly subcortical changes, challenging current vascular dementia criteria.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuropsychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Vascular dementia diagnostic criteria are of current interest.
- Global cognitive changes following cerebral infarction are rarely studied.
- Distinguishing global from focal cognitive deficits post-infarction is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document neuropsychological changes after acute, first cerebral infarcts.
- To assess cognitive changes at one to three weeks and three months post-infarction.
- To investigate patterns of global cognitive change in relation to infarct location.
Main Methods:
- Neuropsychological assessments were conducted in 25 unselected patients.
- Patients experienced acute, first cerebral infarcts.
- Assessments occurred at two time points: 1-3 weeks and 3 months post-infarct.
Main Results:
- Cognitive improvements were observed in functions associated with subcortical components.
- Processes mediated by the right hemisphere showed improvement.
- Memory functions were relatively minimally affected compared to other cognitive domains.
Conclusions:
- Observed minimal memory deficits and predominant subcortical changes contrast with existing vascular dementia criteria.
- Current findings suggest a need for revised criteria for global cognitive changes in vascular dementia.
- Further research is required to establish firm criteria for the global cognitive patterns in vascular dementia.