<< Back
How can we better evaluate an individual’s cognitive impairment after a stroke?
Raquel Zuniga, M.D., Ph.D.
Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital
Granada, Spain
Background
Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, causing inflammation and death of brain cells. This can impair thinking and may lead to the development of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). Studies have shown that individuals who have had a stroke may also be at increased risk for Alzheimer’s. However, accurate diagnosis of PSCI remains challenging in regions where cognitive screening is not part of routine recovery care for stroke.
Research Plan
Dr. Zúñiga and colleagues plan to first develop a new cognitive assessment tool to diagnose PSCI based on a currently used assessment called the Cognitive Assessment Battery for patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke (CABAIS). They will administer the assessment to 30 individuals recovering from a recent stroke. The researchers will then perform the same assessment six months after each participants’ stroke to evaluate the long-term changes in cognition during their stroke recovery. Lastly, Dr. Zúñiga and the team will associate the changes in cognitive impairment and their hospital experience, including length of stay, rehabilitation needs, and overall care, for each individual to examine whether a patient’s experience impacts their recovery.
Impact
If successful, results from this study may contribute to our understanding of the role of cognitive impairment in stroke recovery and may develop a novel tool to better diagnose cognitive impairment in individuals recovering from a stroke.
Back to Top