To assess the relationship between depression and cognitive impairment in acute ischemic stroke survivors

Depression and cognitive impairment are long term complications of stroke and can impact negatively on outcome and quality of life after stroke. This study was carried out to determine the frequency of depression and cognitive impairment alone and in combination, at 3 months post acute ischemic stroke, and assess the relationship to functional outcome also at 3 months post stroke

The frequency of post stroke depression in this cohort was 62.0% and this was significantly higher than the frequency of depression in controls. The frequency of cognitive impairment at 90 days post stroke was 52.1%, significantly higher than in controls. Coexisting depression and cognitive impairment in stroke cases at 90 days post stroke was 31.7% and was significantly higher than in controls. Functional outcome post stroke was favorable (mRS <3) in 83 (58.5%) and unfavourable (mRS ≥3) in 59 (41.5%). Amongst stroke cases with combined cognitive impairment and depression, 57.8% (26/45) had a favourable outcome and 42.2% (19/45) had an unfavourable outcome, which, compared with other categories (depression only, cognitive impairment only, coexisting depression and cognitive impairment), did not significantly differ.  

Post stroke depression, alone or in combination with cognitive impairment, occurs frequently in ischemic stroke survivors at 90 days post stroke. However, there was no significant relationship with functional outcome.