Predictors of reversible mild cognitive impairment after stroke: a 2-year follow-up study☆
Abstract
Many studies have investigated mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the context of prodromal dementia, but few have investigated recovery from MCI. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of reversible MCI after stroke and to identify factors related to recovery.
Methods
One hundred and eighteen patients with a first ever cerebral stroke were followed up for 2 years. Neuropsychological assessment was performed at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months poststroke. Possible predictors of reversible MCI were demographic variables, baseline MMSE scores, presence of stroke risk factors, and CT variables. Poststroke MCI was diagnosed when there was a deficit in at least one cognitive domain, without their being demented. Recovery was considered when MCI was no longer present.
Results
Twenty-four (20.3%) patients were classified as having permanent reversible MCI and were compared with patients without recovery. Most patients recovered from MCI between the first and second assessments (19.7% versus 13.1% and 2.0% later on). Higher baseline MMSE scores and female sex were independent predictors of recovery (ORHigh MMSE=9.9; ORfemale sex=2.8). Neither stroke-related risk factors nor CT variables were predictors of favorable outcome.
Conclusion
About 20% of patients with poststroke MCI recover from MCI. Higher MMSE scores at baseline and female sex are independent predictors of this recovery.
aResearch Institute Brain and Behavior, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, University of Maastricht/University Hospital Maastricht, PO Box 5800, 6202 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
bDepartment of Neurology University of Maastricht/University Hospital Maastricht, PO Box 5800, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
☆ Potential conflict of interest disclosure: none. This research was funded by the foundation ‘Adriana van Rinsum-Ponssen Stichting'. None of the authors have entered into an agreement with the Foundation that has limited their ability to carry out the research as planned and published the results. The authors have had full control of the primary data and will provide the Journal with the data if requested. The principal author (SMC Rasquin) declares that she is responsible for the data, the analyses and their interpretation, and the conduct of the research; she had full access of the data, this was separate and apart from the attitudes of the sponsor.
ABSTRACT