Prevalence and determinants of cognitive complaints after aneurismal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage

P. Passier*, J M A. Visser-Meily, M.J.E. van Zandvoort, M.W.M. Post, G.J.E. Rinkel, C.M. van Heugten

*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

Background: To investigate the prevalence of cognitive complaints after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and the relationships between cognitive complaints and cognitive impairments, disability and emotional problems. Methods: Cognitive complaints were assessed with the Checklist for Cognitive and Emotional Consequences following stroke (CLCE-24) in 111 persons who visited our outpatient clinic 3 months after SAH. Associations between cognitive complaints and cognitive functioning, demographic characteristics, disability and emotional problems were examined using Spearman correlations and linear regression analysis. Results: In this study group, 105 patients (94.6%) reported at least one cognitive or emotional complaint that hampered everyday functioning. The most frequently reported cognitive complaints were mental slowness, short-term memory problems and attention deficits. All cognitive domains, disability, depressive symptoms and feelings of anxiety were significantly associated with the CLCE-24 cognition score. In the final regression model, memory functioning (beta value -0.21), disability (-0.28) and depressive symptoms (0.40) were significant determinants of cognitive complaints, together explaining 35.4% of the variance. Conclusion: Cognitive complaints are common after SAH and associated with memory deficits, disability and depressive symptoms. Rehabilitation programs should focus on these symptoms and deficits.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)557-563
JournalCerebrovascular Diseases
Volume29
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2010

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