title: Functional and cognitive consequences of silent stroke discovered using brain magnetic resonance imaging in an elderly population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the prevalence of silent stroke and its associated consequences on physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning in an elderly population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Population-based cross-sectional survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Memory and Morbidity in Augsburg Elderly project in the Augsburg region of southern Germany.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred sixty-seven community-dwelling persons aged 65 to 83.
  
  
  METHODS
  The presence of silent stroke was determined using magnetic resonance imaging brain scan and a single question asking for physician-diagnosed stroke in each participant. The health effect of silent stroke was assessed using rating scales for self-perceived health status (36-item short-form health survey), activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs, cognitive function, and depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Just fewer than 13% (12.7%) of participants were affected by silent stroke. Silent stroke was associated with a history of hypertension, heart surgery, and elevated C-reactive protein. Individuals with silent stroke showed impairments on the Mini-Mental State Examination test and in the cognitive domains of memory, procedural speed, and motor performance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The presence of silent stroke has a considerable effect on cognitive performance in those affected. Determining the presence of silent stroke using brain imaging may contribute to identifying individuals at risk for developing gradual neurological deficits.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Wolf-Peter
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Roesler
authors.forename: Konrad
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kretzschmar
authors.forename: Karl-Heinz
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Ladwig
authors.forename: Ralf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Junker
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Berger
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*