Premium
Prevention of post‐stroke cognitive decline: a review focusing on lifestyle interventions
Author(s) -
Teuschl Y.,
Matz K.,
Brainin M.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
european journal of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1468-1331
pISSN - 1351-5101
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2012.03757.x
Subject(s) - medicine , dementia , stroke (engine) , cognitive decline , psychological intervention , observational study , cognition , risk factor , randomized controlled trial , physical therapy , gerontology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , psychiatry , disease , mechanical engineering , engineering
Background and purpose Despite a high prevalence of post‐stroke cognitive impairment, therapeutic possibilities are still limited. Stroke and dementia share the same cluster of modifiable risk factors. Thus, lifestyle interventions and strict adherence to medication may not only decrease the risk of recurrent stroke but also the risk of post‐stroke cognitive decline. Methods We performed a systematic literature search for randomized clinical trials ( RCT s) targeting modifiable risk factors for the prevention of cognitive decline following stroke. Results We identified 25 non‐pharmacological interventions and eight multiple risk factor interventions in stroke patients using cognition as outcome measure. None of the published trials investigated interventions aimed at the prevention of post‐stroke cognitive decline. However, a number of ongoing trials aim at risk factor reduction and include measures on cognition. Conclusion Evidence for risk factor modification for the prevention of cognitive decline after stroke is scarce and comes mainly from observational studies. There is a need for more RCT s targeting the prevention of post‐stroke dementia using lifestyle interventions and a multiple risk factor approach.