Memory problems herald a stroke

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MunichAfter a stroke, memory problems are not uncommon. Apparently there is also a reverse connection: According to this, cognitive problems indicate a high risk of stroke.

A stroke often seems to come out of the blue. There are some signs that should at least make one sit up and take notice. To what extent this applies to memory disorders, for example, has now been investigated by a Chinese research team from the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Chiayi. For the study, the scientists analyzed the data from 18 cohort studies with a total of 122,000 participants. In all examinations, the cognitive performance was tested at the beginning (for example the ability to remember, attention or speech comprehension) and noted. In addition, each study recorded how many strokes occurred during the observation period.

Up to 65 percent higher risk

It showed that people who had memory problems at the beginning of the examinations had a 40 percent increased chance of having a stroke later on. This relationship was shown to be independent of other risk factors for a stroke, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or obesity. Especially in the case of the very frequent ischemic stroke, which is triggered by insufficient blood flow in the brain, the probability was even increased by 65 percent, even if cognitive difficulties had also been proven beforehand.

Creeping brain damage as a trigger

The researchers suspect that creeping brain damage such as silent heart attacks may be a reason for the increased risk of stroke in people with cognitive problems. This damage manifests itself in the run-up to memory problems and, in the further course, favor a stroke. Accordingly, cognitive deficits provide an indication of the patient's risk of stroke.

Stroke - one of the leading causes of death

Every year around 5.5 million people in industrialized nations die of a stroke, as the World Health Organization (WHO) reports. In addition to coronary heart disease (CHD) and cancer, it is one of the most common causes of death. The problem will get worse in the future: The majority of strokes occur after the age of 60. And as people get older, the number of those affected will also increase. (jb)

Source: Lee M. et al. Cognitive impairment and risk of future stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Canadian Medical Association (CMAJ). 09/25/2014

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