Overview
- Peer-reviewed findings in JAMA Network Open report that the most severe strokes are linked to roughly five times higher odds of developing dementia.
- The study tracked more than 42,000 U.S. adults, including about 1,500 stroke survivors, for as long as three decades.
- Dementia risk rose stepwise by stroke severity, about doubling after minor strokes and tripling after moderate strokes compared with no stroke.
- Stroke survivors declined faster in overall thinking, memory, and executive function, equal to starting 1.8 to 2.6 years older depending on stroke severity.
- The authors recommend routine cognitive follow-up for all stroke survivors with strict management of cardiovascular risks to reduce further decline.