Cognitive recovery after a first anterior ischemic stroke
Official title: Prediction of Post-stroke Cognitive Decline and Dementia: Impact of Cognitive Reserve and Post-stroke Life Style
Run by Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern · NCT05653141 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether early cognitive tests, personal factors, and levels of physical activity can predict thinking and memory changes over three years in adults after a first anterior ischemic stroke.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bern) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 17, 2020 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | May 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05653141 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18 years) with a first-ever anterior circulation ischemic stroke confirmed by MRI who can enroll within 10 days of onset and who speak German, French, or Italian are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with prior strokes, posterior-circulation strokes, preexisting dementia or other neurologic/psychiatric conditions that prevent valid testing, severe delirium or intubation, MRI contraindications, or non-fluent speakers of German/French/Italian are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from the predictions.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, longitudinal, single-center observational study at Inselspital, University of Bern, following patients for up to 36 months after a first anterior circulation ischemic stroke. Participants receive comprehensive neuropsychological testing in the acute phase (0–10 days), at 3 months, and at 12 and 36 months, with concurrent clinical and functional assessments and measures of cognitive reserve and physical activity. The investigators plan to build predictive models capturing inter-individual variability in susceptibility to stroke-related cognitive decline. Recruitment was paused due to high attrition and reduced statistical power but was later resumed after securing additional funding and dedicated personnel.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the predictive models could allow clinicians to give personalized prognoses and better target rehabilitation to preserve or improve cognition after stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Previous cohort studies have linked cognitive reserve and activity levels to post-stroke cognitive outcomes, but robust individualized prediction models with independent validation remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years old * First-ever anterior circulation ischemic stroke confirmed by routine MRI * Time of enrollment: ≤ 10 days from stroke onset. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous stroke anamnestic or based on clinical imaging * Additional stroke in posterior circulation * Conditions that preclude the cognitive testing (e.g. delirium, intubation, reduced vigilance * Neurological or psychiatric conditions that preclude the data interpretation (e.g. pre-stroke dementia, schizophrenia, brain tumor, regular intake of benzodiazepine, depression) * MRI contraindication * Native language other than German, French or Italian
Where it's running
-
Department of Neurology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern
Bern, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Roza M. Umarova, PD Dr. — Department of Neurology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern
- Study coordinator: Roza M. Umarova, PD Dr.
- Email: roza.umarova@insel.ch
- Phone: +41316327000
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.