[The prevalence of dementia three months after stroke and its risk factors].

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of post-stroke dementia (PSD) and its possible clinical and sociodemographic risk factors 3 months after the index stroke episode.

METHODS

Among 147 patients who were hospitalized in the inpatient neurology clinic of Dicle University Faculty of Medicine with a diagnosis of stroke, 106 that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study 3 months after the index stroke. All patients underwent a detailed systemic and neurological examination, as well as a clinical interview in an effort to determine the sociodemographic features, and both vascular and non-vascular risk factors of stroke. Routine laboratory examinations and cranial imaging (computed tomography [CT] or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) were also conducted. The functional, clinical, and cognitive status of the patients were evaluated at the time of hospitalization and 3 months later with the Barthel Index, NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), respectively.

RESULTS

Of the 106 patients included in the study, 32 (30.2%) were diagnosed with PSD. Multivariate analyses revealed that increased age, presence of atrial fibrillation, multiple brain lesions, and cognitive and functional status during hospitalization predicted the development of PSD in this group of patients.

CONCLUSION

The results corroborate previous findings that PSD is a common complication of stroke. Early recognition and treatment of PSD risk factors will definitely diminish the burden of stroke on society and help to improve patient quality of life.