Evaluation of Cognitive Dysfunction, Functional Independence and Depression Severity Changes during Rehabilitation in Patients after Cerebral Stroke

Abstract

Research background. Cognitive impairment and depression are frequent residual consequences of stroke. They have a large impact on the quality of life and long-term prognosis. The aim is to estimate changes of cognitive dysfunction, functional independence and depression severity before and after rehabilitation in patients after cerebral stroke. Methods. We used Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to estimate cognitive dysfunction, Functional Independence Measure (FIM) – motor and cognitive functions, Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) – depression severity. Results. There were 14 research participants from Neurorehabilitation department in Hospital of LUHS Kauno klinikos who met with criteria for inclusion and were not included by criteria for exclusion. Before rehabilitation the meanscore of MMSE – 19.93 – mild cognitive dysfunction, the mean score of FIM – 57.71 – medium supervision needed, the mean score of MADRS – 17.71 – mild depression. After rehabilitation the mean score of MMSE – 23.86 – mild cognitive dysfunction, the mean score of FIM – 92.07 – supervision needed, the mean score of MADRS – 10.50 – mild depression. We determined that six women had medium cognitive dysfunction while men did not have it. Conclusions. Cognitive function after rehabilitation signifcantly got better but mild cognitive dysfunction remained. Functional independence improved after rehabilitation and most patients only needed supervision. Mild depression remained after rehabilitation but the score signifcantly reduced. Females had more severe cognitive dysfunctions. Keywords: cerebral stroke, post-stroke depression, cognitive dysfunction, functional independency.