Detection of mild cognitive impairment during locomotion after stroke

Abstract

Cognitive impairment after stroke is common and can cause disability with major impacts on quality of life and independence. There are also indirect effects of cognitive impairment on func-tional recovery after stroke through reduced participation in rehabilitation and poor adherence to treatment guidelines. Mild cognitive impairment entails a high risk of developing dementia. There is growing evidence that cognitive decline results in the deterioration of gait patterns. Though it is commonly associated with the later stages of dementia, a decline in gait performance may also be detected much earlier. A dual task paradigm might improve the observation of this phenomenon. In this article, we attempt to establish the following: whether there is a distinct profile of cognitive impairment after stroke; whether the type of cognitive deficit can be associated with the features of stroke-related amage; and whether interventions can improve poststroke cognitive performance. There is not a consistent profile of cognitive deficits in stroke, though slowed information process-ing and executive dysfunction tend to predominate.