The R4VaD study: cognitive impairment trajectories two years after stroke

Cognitive decline is a recognized risk factor for stroke, as well as a common consequence. Joanna M Wardlaw, CBE, MD, FCRP, FRSE, FMedSci, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, discusses her study into cognitive impairment rates and trajectories two years after stroke, involving 2500 UK residents. Results showed that around 50% of patients had some degree of cognitive impairment in the initial weeks following stroke. They were found to improve 6-12 weeks after stroke, followed by a gradual decline thereafter. Some risk factors for cognitive decline after stroke were recognized, such as stroke severity and increasing age, however socioeconomic factors such as lower education were not found to be significant in this cohort. Prof. Wardlaw highlights that more research is required into the impact of cognitive decline after stroke with regards to socioeconomic factors, ethnic diversity, and geographical location. Enhanced understanding of risk factors would allow for a more personalized approach to diagnosis and rehabilitation. This interview was conducted at the 10th European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC) 2024 in Basel, Switzerland.
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