Factors Influencing Poststroke Cognitive Dysfunction: Cross-Sectional Analysis

BackgroundPoststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a common and debilitating complication that affects stroke survivors, impacting memory, attention, and executive function. Despite its prevalence, the factors contributing to PSCI remain unclear, with limited insights into how demographic and clinical variables influence cognitive outcomes. ObjectiveThis study investigates the incidence of cognitive impairment in patients with stroke and examines key demographic and clinical factors, such as age, gender, and education level, which contribute to cognitive decline. The aim is to provide a deeper understanding of PSCI to inform early intervention strategies for improving patient outcomes. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 305 patients with ischemic stroke admitted to Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, from January 2019 to September 2022. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) within 72 hours of hospital admission. Demographic information, including age, gender, and education level, were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square tests, independent t tests, and multivariate regression to assess the relationship between cognitive function and key variables. Pearson correlation analysis explored associations among age, education, and MMSE scores. ResultsAmong the 305 patients with stroke, 16.7% (n=51) were diagnosed with cognitive impairment based on MMSE scores. The prevalence of cognitive impairment was slightly higher in males (17.6%, n=159) than females (15.8%, n=146), but this difference was not statistically significant. A strong negative correlation was found between MMSE scores and age (r=–0.32; P