Hyperintensities and fronto-subcortical atrophy on MRI are substrates of mild cognitive deficits after stroke.
OBJECTIVE
The current study determines the MRI correlations of the early neuropsychological post-stroke cognitive deficits.


METHODS
Detailed neuropsychological assessments (attention and working memory) were undertaken in 50 stroke survivors >75 years of age [38 with ageing-associated cognitive decline (AACD)] and 15 age-matched controls. A 1.5-tesla General Electric MRI scanner was used. Standardized visual ratings were undertaken of white matter hyperintensities (WMH). Grey matter volumes were assessed using voxel-based morphometery.


RESULTS
Associations were identified between processing speed and executive function and the severity of WMH in key areas. In addition, atrophy in the fronto-subcortical circuits was associated with AACD.


CONCLUSIONS
Attentional and executive impairments are underpinned by WMH in fronto-striato-thalamo-frontal circuits. Frontal atrophy is identified as a novel substrate of cognitive decline in stroke patients.
Burton
Emma
E
Institute for Ageing and Health, Wolfson Research Centre, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Ballard
Clive
C
Stephens
Sally
S
Kenny
Rose Anne
RA
Kalaria
Raj
R
Barber
Robert
R
O'Brien
John
J
D000368:Aged; D001284:Atrophy; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D020521:Stroke / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology