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Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is frequently associated with long-term post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and dementia. While the mechanisms behind PSCI are not fully understood, the brain and cognitive reserve concepts are topics of ongoing research exploring the ability of individuals to maintain intact cognitive performance despite ischemic injuries. Brain reserve refers to the brain's structural capacity to compensate for damage, with markers like hippocampal atrophy and white matter lesions indicating reduced reserve. Cognitive reserve involves the brain's ability to optimize performance and use alternative networks to maintain function. Advanced methods of MRI and EEG processing may better assess brain reserve and cognitive reserve, with emerging predictive models integrating these measures to improve PSCI prediction. This article provides the design of a hospital-based study investigating the predictive role of functional connectivity and MRI radiomics in assessing PSCI occurrence one year after AIS. One hundred forty-four patients will be enrolled following strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. The patients will undergo comprehensive assessments, including neuropsychological testing, brain MRI, and quantitative EEG (QEEG), across four visits over a year. The primary outcome will be PSCI occurrence, and it will be assessed at six and twelve months after AIS. Secondary outcomes will include PSCI severity, recurrent AIS, and mortality. Statistical analyses will be performed to identify predictive factors using Cox proportional hazards models, and predictive models based on QEEG, MRI radiomics, and clinical data will be built. Early detection of AIS patients prone to developing PSCI might outline more effective therapeutic approaches, reducing the social and economic burden of ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Improved Health Care in Neurology and Psychiatry—Longer Life (IHCNP) study was an 18-month prospective, observational, non-interventional research study focused on patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) following ischemic stroke. Objectives: Our secondary analysis of the IHCNP data aimed to document the progression of MCI in this patient group. Methods: A total of 100 patients from Romania were recruited, all of whom underwent cognitive assessments using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). Clinical evaluations were also conducted as part of the study. Baseline cognitive scores were recorded, and subsequent follow-ups documented cognitive changes over time. Results: At baseline, cognitive scores indicated mild impairment, with averages of MMSE 25.41, MoCA 23.27, and RAVLT 33.63. By the end of the study, patients exhibited a significant cognitive decline, with MMSE scores dropping by 8.7%, MoCA by 10.0%, and RAVLT by 29.5% (p < 0.0001 for all measures), reflecting the progressive nature of MCI post-stroke. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to mitigate cognitive decline in post-stroke patients. The study underscores the need for ongoing cognitive monitoring to improve patient outcomes and manage MCI progression effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cognitive deficits following ischemic stroke significantly impair quality of life, highlighting the need for effective interventions. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of extended N-Pep-12 dietary supplementation in enhancing cognitive recovery post-stroke. Methods: In this randomized, open-label, controlled study, 106 patients with supratentorial ischemic stroke were enrolled to receive either 90mg N-Pep-12 or no supplementation daily for 360 days and were followed-up for 360 days. Cognitive function and emotional well-being were assessed using established neuropsychological scales at baseline, 90 days, and 360 days post-stroke. Safety was monitored through adverse events and mortality rates. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the N-Pep-12 group compared to controls, particularly in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores at both 90 and 360 days, and in the Digit Symbol Coding scores at 360 days, suggesting enhanced cognitive recovery with extended N-Pep-12 supplementation. A linear regression for a composite outcome analysis at day 360 further confirmed the efficacy of N-Pep-12 in contributing to cognitive improvement. Safety profiles were favorable, with no significant adverse effects attributed to N-Pep-12. Conclusions: Extended dietary supplementation with N-Pep-12 appears to offer a safe and effective approach to support cognitive recovery in ischemic stroke survivors. These findings underscore the potential of the supplement as an add-on intervention for managing post-stroke cognitive impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ischemic stroke (IS) often leads to cognitive and motor impairments. This study aimed to investigate whether Memory-Guided Saccade Tasks (MGSTs) could be used to assess cognitive function in stroke patients. Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted on 62 individuals with supratentorial IS. Eye-tracking metrics from MGST were correlated with established neuropsychological assessments, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: Age correlated negatively with memory-guided saccade (MGS) accuracy (ρ = −0.274) and positively with late errors (ρ = 0.327). Higher Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores were associated with faster corrective saccades (ρ = 0.259). Increased anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D) levels correlated with higher early error rates (ρ = 0.325 and ρ = 0.311, respectively). The Color Trails Test and Digit Span test performance also correlated with various MGS parameters. Conclusions: While some correlations were found between cognitive measures and eye-tracking metrics, further research is needed to validate MGST as a tool for cognitive assessment in a more homogenous stroke population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pain (CP) significantly impacts quality of life and poses an increasing economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide. This study investigates the relationship between blink rate during saccadic eye movements and pain perception in patients with CP. Ninety-two patients with CP (24 men, 68 women) were assessed using eye-tracking technology during horizontal and vertical saccadic tasks. Pain perception was evaluated using the Central Sensitization Inventory - Part A and the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and anxiety levels were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The results revealed a significant correlation between blink rates in horizontal and vertical tasks (ρ = 0.668, P < 0.001). However, there was no correlation between blink rate and age, pain perception, or anxiety scores. Conversely, measures of pain perception were positively correlated with each other and with anxiety scores. These findings suggest that while blink rate may reflect oculomotor function, it is not directly influenced by pain perception or anxiety in patients with CP. The present study highlights the potential of eye tracking for the comprehensive assessment and management of patients with CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) presents a significant clinical challenge due to its profound motor and cognitive impacts. Early diagnosis is crucial for implementing effective, stage-based treatment strategies. Recently, eye-tracking technology has emerged as a promising tool for the non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of various neurological disorders, including PD. This retrospective study analyzed eye-tracking parameters, specifically visually-guided saccades (VGS), in PD patients within a clinical setting. We reviewed eye-tracking data from 62 PD patients, focusing on eye movement performance in horizontal and vertical VGS tasks. Our findings revealed significant correlations between demographic profiles, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, pattern recognition, and spatial working memory tests with saccadic performance in PD patients. Despite the retrospective nature of the study, our results support the potential of eye-tracking technology as a valuable diagnostic tool in PD assessment and monitoring. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies and more comprehensive assessments to further understand and enhance the clinical application of eye-tracking in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the 2nd edition of the Romanian National Neurology Forum, which aimed to improve the healthcare system in Romania. Professionals from various fields came together to discuss strategic insights and perspectives on health policies, focusing on patient perspectives, medical practice, and public policy. Workshops were held on various neurological diseases, addressing issues such as diagnosis, treatment, care, and access to services. The article emphasizes the need for comprehensive approaches to address the challenges faced by the Romanian healthcare system. The forum brought together various stakeholders to find solutions for improving patient care and health policies, and the upcoming 2025 edition will continue this work. [Extracted from the article]

The article informs about the recent developments in neurorehabilitation, highlighting the integration of traditional and innovative approaches like virtual reality systems and neurostimulation techniques. Topics include insights from the WFNR-EFNR Central Asia Regional Meeting, emphasizing collaboration among specialists and addressing challenges in stroke healthcare systems, such as limited access to therapies, shortage of specialists, and inadequate infrastructure.