News Release

Memory-Robbing Disorder Detected In One In Three Stroke Survivors

Peer-Reviewed Publication

American Heart Association

DALLAS, Jan. 9 -- About 30 percent of stroke survivors have dementia, a disorder that robs a person of memory and other intellectual abilities, according to a new study in this month's Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.

"We often focus on the physical disability after stroke, but we need to pay more attention to how stroke affects the thinking and social aspects of a person's life," says the study's lead author, Timo Erkinjuntti, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the Memory Research Unit and director of the Helsinki Stroke Aging Memory Study conducted at the University of Helsinki, Finland.

The study is the largest to look at "risk factors" for post-stroke dementia. It included 337 individuals 55-85 years old who were evaluated three months after stroke. Researchers used memory function tests and other psychological tests to diagnose dementia.

Stroke dementia was common -- present in 31.8 percent of the group -- and was found more often among older individuals, smokers and those with lower levels of education. Among stroke survivors, the strongest risk factors of dementia were dysphasia, (difficulty understanding speech or speaking), major dominant stroke syndrome (stroke associated with major disability) and prior stroke, says Erkinjuntti.

Other characteristics associated with dementia were left hemispheric stroke (stroke on the left side of the brain), walking impairment and urinary incontinence.

The aim of this study was to identify the clinical features that distinguish people with dementia from individuals without dementia, he says. "By defining a stroke-dementia patient's profile, we may be better able to tell the difference between stroke dementia and Alzheimer's disease." Alzheimer's is a fatal disease of unknown cause that begins with slight memory problems and changes in personality then progresses to severe dementia.

It may turn out that some features, such as dysphasia or gait impairment, are more common in one disorder than the other, says Erkinjuntti.

While there are no proven treatments to reverse memory loss, some personality or psychological problems associated with stroke dementia -- such as depression -- may be treated or improved through counseling and social support. And additional progression of the dementia may be possible by preventing a second stroke.

Physicians should provide routinely mental status examinations, as well as assessment of emotional and social functions to the stroke victims. This however, is still often a neglected part in stroke treatment, says Erkinjuntti.

"Counseling in regards to the various aspects of impairment related to stroke should be a constant part of stroke work-up," he says.

The best way to prevent stroke dementia is to prevent stroke, stress the researchers.

A person can reduce the risk of stroke by not smoking, controlling high blood pressure and maintaining a healthful lifestyle.

The American Heart Association has a program, Stroke Connection, which helps stroke survivors, their families and caregivers get answers and information about stroke. A toll-free warmline number (1-800-553-6321) is staffed by people who have been affected by stroke in some way. They are available to answer the many questions and concerns which arise after someone has had a stroke.

Co-authors are Tarja Pohjasvarra, M.D.; Raija Yikoski, M.A.; Marja Hietanen, Ph.D.; Risto Vataja, M.D.; and Markku Kaste, M.D.; Ph.D.

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