Cognitive disturbances and mood disorders in ischemic stroke

Abstract

Introduction

Ischemic stroke is in increasing incidence, so that long term sequels are of great importance for management of quality of life and economics issues.

Objectives

To determine risk factors associated with cognitive disturbances, after ischemic stroke.

Aims

Assessment of social and medical risk factors in outcome of cognitive disturbances.

Methods

During 6 months, 268 patients with antecedents of ischemic stroke and associated cognitive disturbances installed in first year after major stroke, were assessed in neurology department. We performed neuropsychological tests as mini mental state examination, sunderland clock test and beck depression inventory. Patients and caregivers were also assessed for quality of life. 53% were males, from urban areas (69%) and mean age was 72.2 years.

Results

We found risk factors as hypertension (88%), dyslipidemia (63%), diabetes mellitus (22%), atrial fibrillation (11%), smoking (35%) and drinking (55%). According to DSM-5 criteria, 62.5% of our lot had major cognitive disorder and 37.5% had a minor one; most of the patients with major dysfunction had ischemia in left middle cerebral artery (31.71%) associated with language deficits and executive dysfunctions, and on the second place was the vertebro-basilar localization of stroke (29.86%). Ischemia in right middle cerebral artery was present only in 20.52% of the lot. 27% of our patients developed depression, more in patients with major neurological deficits.

Conclusions

Efforts must be done for primary prevention of stroke, early detection of risk factors and correct treatment, and for cessation of toxic habits. Treating associated depression may improve patients’ quality of life and increase comfort for caregivers.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.