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A groundbreaking Australian study has uncovered that stroke leads to both immediate and accelerated long-term cognitive decline, particularly in older adults. The research, conducted by the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at the University of New South Wales Sydney, emphasizes the profound impact a stroke has on the cognitive abilities of individuals, especially when pre-existing health conditions are present.
The study, which analyzed data from 14 studies across 11 countries, tracked the health and cognitive function of 20,860 adults with an average age of 73. None of the participants had a history of stroke or dementia prior to the study. While normal aging and other health conditions led to moderate cognitive decline across the board, those who experienced a stroke during the research exhibited a sharp, immediate decrease in cognitive performance.
Notably, the study also revealed that individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension, or those who carried the APOE4 gene (a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease), experienced an even faster decline in cognitive function both before and after their stroke.
The researchers found that the effects of stroke on cognition were not confined to the immediate aftermath but led to long-term deterioration as well. This progressive decline was more pronounced in those with existing vascular risk factors, reinforcing the need for early intervention in managing conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes to help mitigate the impact of stroke.
Dr. Perminder Sachdev, one of the lead researchers at CHeBA, stated, “Our findings highlight the critical need for proactive management of vascular health, particularly in older adults. By addressing risk factors early, we may be able to reduce the severity of cognitive decline following a stroke.”
This study underscores the importance of not only treating the immediate aftermath of a stroke but also addressing underlying health issues to slow down the long-term cognitive decline that many stroke survivors face. Early intervention and consistent management of vascular health could provide a potential pathway to improving the quality of life for those at risk of stroke and its cognitive consequences.
(Source: Daijiworld)
