As we age, cognitive function naturally declines, with the brain accumulating damage at the biochemical level and in the form of ruptured blood vessels and microbleeds. Supporting cells become inflammatory, myelin sheathing deteriorates, and the delicate balance of complex mechanisms supporting neuron activities is disrupted. When a stroke occurs, this decline accelerates even further. While inflammation plays a role, the exact mechanisms behind this acceleration are complex and not entirely understood. A recent epidemiological study highlights the impact of stroke on cognitive decline post-stroke, emphasizing the need for further research into the underlying mechanisms.
Stroke is a significant cause of disability and dementia globally, with studies indicating a rise in prevalence and burden. Cognitive impairment is common after a stroke, affecting over a third of survivors. However, the specific impact of stroke on cognitive function trajectory is still unclear. Variances in study designs, sample characteristics, and statistical methods have led to conflicting findings in previous research, making it challenging to understand the full scope of cognitive decline post-stroke.
To address these inconsistencies, a recent study analyzed data from various population cohorts within the COSMIC consortium, comprising 20,860 participants. The results showed that incident stroke led to an immediate decline in cognitive function, with accelerated long-term decline compared to those without a stroke history. Despite no significant difference in pre-stroke cognitive performance, stroke survivors experienced faster deterioration in cognitive abilities over time.
This cohort study underscores the profound impact of stroke on cognitive decline in older adults, emphasizing the need for comprehensive interventions to mitigate these effects in stroke survivors.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.37133
