Cognitive problems after stroke to be detected faster

Around 12,000 Danes suffer a hemorrhage or blood clot in the brain every year - also known as a stroke. It can lead to physical disabilities, such as paralysis on one side of the body. Stroke can also cause cognitive disabilities: problems with language, memory, concentration and the ability to keep track of things.

‘These challenges need to be identified before patients are discharged from the hospital so that rehabilitation can begin. However, it can be difficult to detect cognitive problems as they are often invisible,’ explains Ro J. Robotham, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology.

In an upcoming research project, Ro J. Robotham and colleagues will investigate a new test tool developed specifically to detect cognitive problems in stroke survivors.

Could have a major impact

The test tool, called the Oxford Cognitive Screen, has quickly become popular among healthcare professionals because it is easy and quick to use.

‘Healthcare professionals need effective tools that can quickly identify cognitive problems in a patient. The new test has gained international acceptance, but we still know very little about how well it actually works,’ says Ro J. Robotham.

In addition to assessing the tool's ability to detect cognitive problems and predict their development, the research project aims to provide accurate estimates of the proportion of patients with short- and long-term cognitive problems after a stroke.

‘This project could have a major impact by helping to ensure that cognitive problems are identified early so that patients receive the right treatment as soon as possible, giving them the best possible chance of recovery,’ says Ro J. Robotham.

The research project, called ‘Detecting and predicting post-stroke cognitive impairments’, is supported by the Independent Research Fund Denmark with DKK 3.2 million.