Rehabilitation of cognitive dysfunction after stroke

Post-stroke cognitive impairment refers to a series of syndromes that meet the diagnostic criteria for cognitive impairment within 6 months after stroke. Patients with low education level, large vessel territory infarction, cortical infarction and multi-region infarction are at higher risk.

Cognitive impairment after stroke not only seriously affects the quality of life of patients, but also significantly reduces the survival time of stroke patients, bringing a heavy burden to their families and society. When a series of symptoms such as slow reaction, memory loss, inattention, and poor speech expression appear after a stroke, it is necessary to go to the neurology clinic in time to determine whether the patient has cognitive impairment after stroke and the degree of cognitive impairment so as to start treatment as soon as possible. For cognitive impairment after stroke, the principle of early screening and timely comprehensive intervention is advocated, including intervention and prevention of known risk factors, drug treatment and rehabilitation treatment.

Actively control risk factors for stroke, such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, etc. Drug treatment includes early use of cholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil, galantamine, etc. Rehabilitation training and treatment of mental and behavioral symptoms also have a certain helpful effect, such as professional cognitive function training, reading more books and newspapers, strengthening communication with the outside world, actively participating in social activities, etc.

Rehabilitation training should be individualized and needs a long-term goal to enable patients to regain some life abilities as much as possible (such as self-care, family and financial management, leisure activities, driving, and returning to work, etc.). If mental symptoms occur, relevant medications and formal behavioral therapy are also required.