A 2-year prospective follow-up study of temporal changes associated with post-stroke cognitive impairment

초록

AimsTo explore temporal patterns of change in cognitive impairments during the 2years following stroke and to identify factors that affect these temporal changes. BackgroundDespite the prognostic importance, temporal changes in post-stroke cognitive impairment have not been systematically investigated. DesignA non-experimental, prospective, longitudinal descriptive study design. MethodsFifty-two stroke patients were enrolled. Data were collected from April 2015 to September 2017. Cognitive function was evaluated at 5 different times (immediately, and at 3, 6, 12, and 24months post-stroke). ResultsSignificant changes in cognitive function following stroke exhibited an s-shaped curve, and the most rapid changes were observed between 3 and 6months after stroke. The incidence of post-stroke cognitive impairment ranged from 23.1% to 42.3% and was highest at 3months and lowest at 6months. Gender, educational level, pre-stroke cognitive and functional abilities, haematoma, and brain surgery were associated with incidence of post-stroke cognitive impairment. ConclusionsThe ongoing changes exhibited by patterns of cognitive impairment provide evidence that consistent efforts are required to achieve positive changes in post-stroke cognitive function. Our findings may be helpful to develop nursing care strategies aimed at improving cognitive ability and consequently the quality of life of stroke patients.

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