Incidence and Factors Associated With Cognitive Impairment 90 Days After First Ever Ischemic Stroke

ABSTRACT Objectives Post‐stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is prevalent among stroke survivors, negatively impacting long‐term outcomes. We aimed to assess the prevalence of PSCI and its risk factors in participants from the iBioStroke study ( n = 1042), 90 days after their first ischemic stroke. Methods We prospectively analyzed data from 582 participants, without cognitive problems before stroke based on the structured interview with the patient, a family member or a caregiver, and/or clinical documentation (if available), who completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at discharge and 90 days post‐stroke. Two MoCA cut‐offs were used to define PSCI: a score of ≤ 25 in the first model and ≤ 22 in the second model. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify independent risk factors for PSCI based on 30 collected parameters. Results In the first model, PSCI was identified in 418 (71.8%) participants at day 90. Independent risk factors included older age (OR = 1.05; 95% CI:1.02–1.08), fewer years of education (OR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.73–0.93), lower MoCA scores at discharge (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.69–0.84), higher anxiety levels (HADS‐A) at day 90 (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01–1.21), and larger stroke volume (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00–1.01). In the second model, PSCI was observed in 294 (50.5%) participants. Older age (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03–1.09), fewer years of education (OR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78–0.96), lower MoCA scores at discharge (OR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.77–0.88), and higher depression levels (HADS‐D) at day 90 (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03–1.18) were significant predictors. Conclusions Based on our data, PSCI seems to be a common consequence of stroke. Both irreversible factors, such as age and educational level, stroke volume, and potentially modifiable factors, including post‐stroke anxiety or depression and acute cognitive impairment, contribute to PSCI risk. These findings underscore the importance of early cognitive and psychiatric interventions in stroke survivors.