1 in 3 stroke survivors will develop dementia

Investigators reviewed various clinical trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, case-control studies, clinical guidance, and editorial reviews on the prevalence, diagnosis, and management of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI).

They found that up to 20% of stroke survivors with mild cognitive impairment fully recover within a year, but most never regain their pre-stroke cognitive function.

Cognitive impairment is common among stroke survivors and is often underdiagnosed, so researchers hope the findings will underscore the importance of regular screening.

Doctor Release SimbaniCognitive impairment after stroke tends to progress over time, so early screening and ongoing monitoring are important, said Dr. said.

“Early cognitive therapy and addressing stroke risk factors may be key to improving outcomes,” Sinvani told Healthline.

Cognitive impairment is most common in the first year after stroke, affecting approximately 60% of stroke patients, according to reports.

Some people, especially those with a history of stroke, develop delayed cognitive decline months after their stroke.

“Strokes contribute to cognitive problems because they cause a lack of blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which can lead to nerve cell damage and even death. This can lead directly to cognitive impairment and dementia.” there is,” says Sinvani.

Cognitive impairment before stroke, older age, high blood pressureand Diabetes Studies show that it may also contribute to future cognitive decline.

The report also found that blacks who have experienced a stroke are more likely to develop cognitive decline and are at increased risk of dementia.

The severity of cognitive impairment, which ranges from mild impairment to dementia, varies from person to person and is influenced by the severity of the stroke and whether a person has had a previous stroke.

Reports show that despite the fact that many stroke patients develop cognitive impairment, it is still underestimated and underdiagnosed.

“Cognitive impairment in stroke survivors is underreported because individuals and families may believe that memory loss is a normal post-stroke phenomenon, or that symptoms are part of the stroke. It’s possible,” Sinvani said.

While it’s important that stroke survivors undergo regular screening for cognitive impairment, there is currently no gold standard for cognitive screening of stroke survivors, says the study.

simple screening test It is commonly used, like the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, to identify memory, thinking and attention problems in stroke patients.

By performing regular screenings, providers can assess each person’s cognitive function and risk factors for future decline.

This will allow healthcare workers to determine, for example, whether people can return to work or continue to drive. Addie IyerNeurosurgeon and Neurointervention Surgeon at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Providence St. John’s Health Center, Santa Monica, CA.

The findings also point to the need for guided cognitive therapy to maximize the chances of meaningful recovery for patients, Iyer said.

Some people undergoing cognitive rehabilitation show improvements in attention, memory, and executive function.

“Cognitive therapy is necessary as an adjunct to physical therapy during recovery. Mental exercise, like physical exercise, is essential for the patient to fully recover,” he said.

Cognitive impairment can be ameliorated by specific interventions such as physical activity and secondary stroke prevention strategies.

The progression of PSCI “can be slowed or stopped by addressing stroke risk factors such as blood pressure and diabetes control, weight loss, and exercise,” Sinvani said.

More than half of stroke survivors develop cognitive impairment, ranging from mild memory and attention problems to dementia. Some cognitively impaired stroke survivors make a full recovery within a year, but most never regain their pre-stroke cognitive function. Early screening and monitoring can help identify those experiencing post-stroke cognitive decline, slowing and possibly stopping its progression.