To identify key baseline predictors of post-stroke depression (PSD) and post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) in acute stroke survivors, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention.
Key Findings:
71.8% of participants developed composite neuropsychological impairment within 6 months.
Independent predictors included right hemisphere lesions (OR = 9.019), greater baseline emotional distress (OR = 5.157), and pre-existing cognitive vulnerability (OR = 0.714).
Advanced age and elevated urea levels showed marginal trends but were not statistically significant.
Interpretation:
High baseline PHQ-9 and low MMSE scores reflect persistent early distress and poor cognitive reserve, indicating a need for immediate psychological triage and long-term monitoring to improve outcomes.
Limitations:
Small sample size may limit generalizability.
Study conducted in a single center may introduce selection bias.
Potential confounding factors were not controlled for.
Conclusion:
Identifying predictors of PSD and PSCI can facilitate early risk stratification and intervention, improving long-term outcomes for stroke survivors.
