Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg
Department of Clinical Neuroscience
I am a Master Degree student at University of Padua, Italy, with an interest towards clinical neuropsychology. My work for this congress was carried out at the University of Gothenburg, where I spent four months to write my Master thesis.

Presenter of 1 Presentation

PREDICTABILITY OF EARLY COGNITIVE SCREENING ON SELF-REPORTED COGNITIVE DIFFICULTIES THREE MONTHS AFTER STROKE: A REGISTER-BASED LONGITUDINAL STUDY

Session Type
Free Communication Session
Date
28.10.2021, Thursday
Session Time
17:45 - 19:15
Room
FREE COMMUNICATIONS A
Lecture Time
18:25 - 18:35

Abstract

Background and Aims

Cognitive deficits are common after stroke, and they have been linked with later cognitive decline and dementia. Subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) have been identified as further risk factor for post-stroke dementia. Our aim was to study early cognitive screening at acute stroke unit and if this could predict self-reported cognitive difficulties at three months after stroke. A secondary aim was to study if stroke severity and age could influence this prediction.

Methods

Data were taken from three Swedish registers (Riksstroke, Väststroke, Statistics Sweden) between November 2014 – June 2019. Information about SCC was retrieved from the Riksstroke 3-month follow-up questionnaire, while the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used as cognitive screening tool at the acute stroke units. Stroke severity at admission was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).

Results

A total of 1969 patients were included (median age, 73 [range 20-99] years; male, 58.6%). 59.9% of patients had impaired cognition at acute stroke unit (MoCA score, < 26) and 37% reported at least one SCC. MoCA was a significant predictor for SCC at three months after stroke (OR .74, 95% CI .61 - .91, p = .004). This effect was seen regardless of age and for minor strokes (NIHSS score, ≤ 3).

Conclusions

Early cognitive screening can predict SCC three months post-stroke. Cognitive screening should be done routinely in stroke units to identify patients at risk of future cognitive decline.

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