Abstract:
Introduction. Cognitive and mood disorders after stroke are common comorbidities being associated with
poor rehabilitation outcomes. At the same time, these conditions can overlap and cause low level of
functioning in stroke patients.
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the incidence and distinctive profile of cognitive and mood
disorders and its impact on rehabilitation outcomes.
Material and methods. Individuals (N=60) with stroke admitted in the department of Neurological
Rehabilitation of the Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova were
evaluated using Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale
(HADS), and Barthel Index at admission and discharge.
Results. Cognitive dysfunction in post stroke rehab have been registered in 87 % (mild -27%, moderate -38
%, severe forms – 22 % ) with average MoCA score of 17.18 points (SD± 7,4 ). The most affected area of
cognitive function was visuospatial perception, memory and attention. Functional outcomes measured by
difference of Barthel Index at admission and discharge are higher in persons with higher cognitive score
(Pearson’s r =+0.65). Anxiety and depression were present in 30 % and 35 % of study group having a mean
score of 9.6 for anxiety (SD± 5,6) and 8.9 for depression (SD± 3,56) . A negative correlation between
depression score vs anxiety score and functional outcomes were registered with a stronger statistical
significance for depression (Pearson’s r=-0.59 versus -0.31)
Conclusions. Cognitive intervention for training of visual perception, attention and memory can improve
functional outcomes for post stroke rehabilitation. Cognitive and mood disorder occur frequently as
comorbidities in stroke and have to be considered by the multidisciplinary team.
