Subtle memory and attentional deficits revealed in an Irish stroke patient sample using domain-specific cognitive tasks.
Stroke disrupts motor, sensory, and cognitive systems in survivors. Unlike in physical impairments, assessment of cognitive function is often inadequate, as no standardized procedure to monitor cognitive recovery post stroke exists. We evaluated a number of novel task-orientated tools designed to assess subtle cognitive deficits (including memory, attention, and executive functioning) in a sample of stroke patients. Although unimpaired on MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination)-based indices of cognition, memory, and intelligence, stroke survivors were significantly impaired on tasks testing visual attention, spatial/relational processing, and associative memory. We recommend a standardized multidomain cognitive assessment and propose that cognitive deficits post stroke require in-depth assessment to inform patient-orientated rehabilitation.
Department of Psychology, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Maynooth, Ireland.
Joseph T
JT
Duffin
D Ronan
DR
Collins
Tara
T
Coughlan
Desmond
D
O'Neill
Richard A P
RA
Roche
Sean
S
Commins
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001245:Association Learning; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013028:Space Perception; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*; D055815:Young Adult