JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a common complication of stroke, affecting patients' quality of life and increasing healthcare burdens. The factors influencing PSCI, including demographic and clinical characteristics, are not well understood.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of PSCI among stroke patients and identify key factors associated with cognitive impairment, such as age, gender, education level, and stroke characteristics.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 305 stroke patients admitted to Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, from January 2019 to September 2022. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) within 72 hours of admission. Data on demographic and clinical variables were collected and analyzed using multivariate statistical methods.

Results:

Cognitive impairment was identified in 16.7% of patients, with a slightly higher prevalence in males (17.6%) than females (15.8%). Age was negatively correlated with MMSE scores (r = -0.32, p < 0.01), while higher education was positively correlated (r = 0.41, p < 0.01). No significant gender differences in cognitive function were observed. Cognitive decline was more pronounced in patients over 60 years, and those with lower education levels had poorer cognitive outcomes.

Conclusions:

Age and education are significant factors affecting cognitive outcomes after a stroke. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions based on demographic characteristics to mitigate cognitive decline. Future studies should include larger, diverse cohorts and longitudinal follow-up to better understand PSCI progression and guide clinical practices.