Cognitive Issues Could be Stroke Risk, Research Says

New research published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke, says cognitive abilities, such as memory and attention, are not only important after a stroke but also before.

Researchers found:

·         Those with lower cognitive test scores before a stroke had a 61 percent higher chance of a stroke.

·         After stroke, cognitive function declined almost twice as fast compared to those before stroke.

·         Stroke coupled with cognitive decline increased the risk of death.

“From a care standpoint, cognitive decline is not only a strong marker for neurological deterioration and physical health in older adults, but also serves as a marker for stroke in old age,” said Kumar Rajan, Ph.D., lead author of the study and assistant professor of internal medicine at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

“Being healthy and active through both physical and cognitive activities may help slow down cognitive decline,” Rajan said.

For additional details about the study, visit http://newsroom.heart.org/news/slowing-brain-functions-linked-to-increased-risk-of-stroke-death.