THE INCIDENCE OF VASCULAR COGNITIVE SYNDROME AFTER STROKE

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the incidence of vascular cognitive syndromes after stroke. 

Patients and methods. The study was prospective (from September 01^st, 2011. to August 31^st 2013.) and included 275 patients with acute stroke who were hospitalized at Department of Neurology Tuzla. We were analysing frequency of certain types of vascular cognitive syndromes. Patients were divided into groups: subcortical dementia (SCD), cortical dementia (CD), hemorrhagic dementia (HD), dementia of strategic infarcts (DSI) and non-demented patients. Stroke severity was measured by NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale), and degree of disability by Rankin Scale.

Results. Out of the total (275), there were 172 (62.5%) male and 103 (37.5%) female patients. The mean age was 65.06±1.49 years for male, and 66.25±1.95 years for female. Vascular cognitive syndromes were verified in 190 (69%) patients, and were more common among male (111 or 58% vs. 79 or 42%). The most common type was SCD (58%), after that CD (30%), HD (6.3%) and DSI (5.2%), respectively. In both sexes the most frequent type of dementia was SCD, after that CD, while HD was more frequent in men. Patients with dementia had statistically more sever stroke (p<0.000) than non-demented patients, and they had significantly higher degree of disability (p<0.000).

Conclusion. Vascular cognitive syndromes are common after stroke, of which the most common is subcortical dementia. Stroke severity and degree of disability have significantly influenced on the development of vascular cognitive syndromes.