Neuropsychological Outcome and its Predictors Across the First Year after Ischaemic Stroke. Issue 2 (30th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barker-Collo, Suzanne; Krishnamurthi, Rita; Feigin, Valery; Jones, Amy; Theadom, Alice; Barber, P. Alan; Starkey, Nicola; McPherson, Kathryn; Rush, Elaine; Bennett, Derrick
• Is Part Of: Brain impairment. Volume 17:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 111
• Page End: 122
• Publication Date: 2016-08-30
• Subjects: ischaemic stroke, -- neuropsychology, -- mood, -- recovery, -- longitudinal; Brain Diseases -- Congresses; Brain Diseases -- Periodicals; Brain -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.805
• DOI: 10.1017/BrImp.2016.17
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1443-9646

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Neuropsychological deficits occur in over half of the stroke survivors and are associated with the reduced functioning and a decline in quality of life. However, the trajectory of recovery and predictors of neuropsychological outcomes over the first year post stroke are poorly understood. Method: Neuropsychological performance, assessed using the CNS-Vital signs, was examined at 1 month, 6 months and 12 months after ischaemic stroke (IS) in a sample drawn from a population-based study ( N = 198). Results: While mean scores across neuropsychological domains at each time-point fell in the average range, one in five individuals produced very low-range scores for verbal memory, attention and psychomotor speed. Significant improvements were seen for executive functioning, psychomotor speed and cognitive flexibility within 6 months post stroke, but no gains were noted from 6 to 12 months. Stroke-related neurological deficits and depression at baseline significantly contributed to the prediction of neuropsychological function at 12 month follow-up. Conclusions: In a significant minority of IS survivors, focal deficits are evident in psychomotor speed, verbal memory, executive functions and attention. Significant improvements in these domains were only evident in the first 6 months post stroke. Initial stroke-related neurological deficits and concurrent depression may be the best predictors of later cognitive functioning.