Understanding cognitive changes after stroke

Determinants of Incident Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on RecoverY

Observational Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT04916210

This study is trying to find out what affects thinking and memory changes in people who have had a stroke, to help improve recovery in the future.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment8000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital Academic / other
Locations31 sites (Phoenix, Arizona and 30 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04916210 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify factors that influence cognitive outcomes in patients who have experienced an acute ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, or aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. It will enroll 8,000 patients who will undergo baseline cognitive assessments, blood draws, and follow-up evaluations over time to monitor changes in cognitive function. The study will also utilize advanced imaging techniques to explore biomarkers associated with dementia. The goal is to help develop future treatments to improve cognitive recovery in stroke patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been hospitalized for an acute stroke without a prior history of dementia.

Not a fit: Patients with a documented history of pre-stroke dementia will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better identification of stroke patients at risk for dementia and improved treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in understanding cognitive outcomes post-stroke, but this specific approach is novel in its comprehensive assessment of biomarkers and cognitive function.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥18 years
2. Admitted to the enrolling clinical performance site (CPS) hospital with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH)
3. Radiographic confirmatory evidence of: (1) AIS (based on a focal area of restricted diffusion on MRI), (2) non-traumatic primary ICH (based on evidence of acute parenchymal hemorrhage on CT or brain MRI) or (3) non-traumatic acute aSAH (based on evidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage on CT or MRI and evidence of aneurysm on CT angiography, MR angiography, or conventional catheter-based angiography)
4. Able to complete baseline visit in person or by phone within 6 weeks of stroke onset
5. Able to provide informed consent by self or proxy
6. Fluent in English or Spanish prior to stroke onset

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Documented history of pre-stroke dementia or fails dementia pre-screen
2. Concurrently enrolled into a study that is not approved under the DISCOVERY Co-Enrollment Policy
3. Unable to complete study protocol (advanced directives such as comfort measures only, or inability to complete the study due to severe medical/behavioral co-morbidities), as determined by physician investigator during screening process

   Additional exclusion criteria for Tier 2 participants:
4. Contraindication to MRI: presence of electrically, magnetically, or mechanically activated implants (such as cardiac pacemakers, cochlear implants, implanted pumps); or metallic clips in the brain

   Additional exclusion criteria for Tier 3 participants:
5. Age \<50 years
6. Biologically female individuals who are pregnant or seeking to become pregnant
7. Known to have one of the following genetic conditions which can increase the risk of developing cancer: Cowden disease, Lynch syndrome, hypogammaglobulinemia, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, Down's syndrome.

Where this trial is running

Phoenix, Arizona and 30 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Ischemic StrokeIntracerebral HemorrhageSubarachnoid HemorrhageDementia, VascularMild Cognitive ImpairmentVascular Cognitive Impairment
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.