Characteristics of cognitive impairment in elderly post-stroke patients at the National Geriatric Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To identify prevalence and characteristics of cognitive impairment in eldery post-stroke patients at the National Geriatrics Hospital. Subject and method: A cross-sectional descriptive study on 267 post-stroke patients aged ≥ 60 years old treated at the National Geriatrics Hospital. Patients were interviewed according to uniform questionnaire, cognitive function was assessed by using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): Total MMSE point < 24: Cognitive impairment. Result: The mean age of the patients was 70.5 ± 8.7 years, male patients accounted for 60.3%. The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 66.3%. The rate of severe, moderate and mild cognitive impairment were 32.2%; 18.4% and 15.7%, respectively. The registration, the language and the copying ability of hemorrhagic stroke patients were significantly lower than those in the group of ischemic stroke (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study confirms the high prevalence of cognitive impairment after stroke (66.3%) in which severe cognitive impairment (32.2%) was in majority. Cognitive impairment screening and early diagnosis will help to take remedial measures.