There are many interconnections between pathological mechanism involved in production of dementia and cognitive impairment even in stroke patients. Early detection and management of these disorders provide better prevention of possible dementia. The aim of this study was to explore the factors (including dental status), which can affect psychocognitive impairment of poststroke patients. Material and Method: using the MMSE (mini-mental state examination), GDS (Geriatric Depression Scale), NIH (National Institute of Health) Stroke Scale we evaluated 47 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke, admitted in I Neurological Clinic of “N. Oblu” Hospital from Iasi.
Results: our patients had relative important cognitive impairment (11 individuals – MMSE score below 20, but only 4 below 10) and important depression (GDS score above 10 in 35 cases and above 20 in 7 cases). We found correlation between some risk factors and cognitive impairment / depression (hypertension, overweight, dyslipidemia, diabetes, arrhythmia, carotid system lesion, dental status). Conclusion: Cerebrovascular disease can produce important cognitive and psychological impairment, which we can easily evaluate using some “bedside” tools: MMSE, GDS. Dental status can be considered an important predictive factor who can justify more detailed cognitive assessment in patients with important dental deterioration and vascular risk factors.
- DEMENTIA
- DENTAL STATUS
- depression
- STROKE