Cognitive recovery after a first anterior ischemic stroke
Prediction of Post-stroke Cognitive Decline and Dementia: Impact of Cognitive Reserve and Post-stroke Life Style
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bern) |
| Trial ID | NCT05653141 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Bern
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.