Understanding how social factors affect cognitive function after stroke

Understanding Stroke Outcomes: Stroke Resilience, Infarct Burden, and Long-Term Cognition

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT06615973

This study looks at how social factors, like support from family and friends, affect how well people recover mentally after having a stroke.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment450 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) (nih)
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT06615973 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on cognitive function in individuals who have experienced a stroke. Participants, aged 18 and older, will be recruited from a previous study and will engage in a 45-minute telephone interview to discuss their health and social factors since their stroke. The study will analyze how these social factors relate to the severity of brain damage as measured by MRI and their influence on post-stroke recovery outcomes. The goal is to identify characteristics that may enhance resilience and improve recovery after a stroke.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have previously participated in the Natural History of Stroke study and have an interpretable MRI scan.

Not a fit: Patients who have a modified Rankin Scale score of 6, indicating death, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights that help improve cognitive outcomes for stroke survivors by addressing social factors.

How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored the impact of social factors on health, this specific approach focusing on post-stroke cognitive function is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

* Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study.
* Adults aged 18 or older.
* Previous participant in the Natural History of Stroke with an interpretable baseline MRI scan, NIHSS measured at baseline or discharge, and admission diagnosis of ischemic stroke.
* Fluent in English or Spanish

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this

study:

-Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) = 6 at any follow-up (usually up to 90 days) in the Natural History of Stroke study (mRS = 6 indicates the participant is dead).

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Stroke, Brain Disease, Vascular Diseases, Cerebrovascular Disorder, Social Determinants of Health, Cognition, cerebrovascular health, Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.