Early diagnosis, treatment key to curbing cognitive impairment after stroke

Early diagnosis, treatment key to curbing cognitive impairment after stroke
cognitive impairment



  • A stroke occurs when the blood supply is stopped or reduced to part of the brain, depriving cells of oxygen and nutrients.
  • It is the second most common cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of disability.
  • Many stroke survivors are left with some cognitive impairment, and as many as 1 in 3 develop dementia following a stroke.
  • A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association highlights the need for early cognitive impairment screening and treatment following stroke to help prevent long-term disability.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source, stroke — a reduction or stoppage of blood supply to the brain — will affect 1 in 4 people during their lifetime. And the lifetime risk of developing a stroke has doubled since 1990.

With improvements in medical care, more people are now surviving strokes. While 10%Trusted Source will recover fully, most will be left with some form of impairment. For example, 40% of stroke survivors have moderate to severe disabilities, while 10% require long-term care in a nursing home or similar facility.

These disabilitiesTrusted Source may include:

  • Paralysis in part of the body
  • Numbness and pain in areas of the body
  • Speech and language issues
  • Cognitive issues, such as problems with thinking and memory.

Now, the American Heart AssociationTrusted Source and the American Stroke AssociationTrusted Source have published a scientific statement highlighting that more than half of those who survive a stroke are left with some post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). Their statement stresses the importance of screening to identify cognitive impairment and allow early treatment.

The statement is published in StrokeTrusted Source, a journal of the American Heart Association.

“This is an important study, reviewing an important area. Drawing important conclusions on the size of the problem — PSCI is common after stroke, especially in the first year, and ranges from mild to severe. Although cognitive impairment is reversible in some cases early after stroke, up to one-third of individuals with stroke develop dementia within 5 years.”

– Dr. Steve Allder, consultant neurologist at Re:Cognition Healt

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