Sleep Duration and Cognitive Function: The Akershus Cardiac Examination 1950 Study.

INTRODUCTION: Sleep duration is proposed as a lifestyle-related risk factor for cognitive impairment. We investigated the association between sleep duration and cognitive function in a large population-based cohort aged 62-65 years. METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses from the Akershus Cardiac Examination 1950 Study. Linear and nonlinear models were conducted to explore the association between self-reported sleep duration and cognitive function, adjusted for established risk factors for cognitive impairment. RESULTS: We included 3,348 participants, mean age (SD) was 63.9 ± 0.6 years, 48.2% were women, and 47.9% had education >12 years. Mean sleep duration (SD) was 7.0 ± 1.0 h, and 10.2% had abnormal sleep duration (<6 or >8 h). Individuals reporting <6 h or >8 h of sleep scored significantly lower on MoCA test and delayed recall trial in adjusted analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep duration showed an inverted U-shaped association with global cognitive function and memory, suggesting that both shortened and prolonged sleep are related to adverse brain health.

Etiological Subclassification of Stroke in Older People ≥80 Years Compared to Younger People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Due to the rapid growth of the world´s oldest population, the number of older persons with stroke is expected to rise. Knowledge of stroke etiology is essential to offer personalized and equal health care across age groups. The present systematic review aimed to investigate the prevalence of etiological subtypes of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in older compared to younger people. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, Epistemonikos, and Cinahl were systematically searched for studies regarding etiological classification in people ≥80 years compared to those <80 years with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. RESULTS: Out of 28 441 identified articles, eight met the inclusion criteria. In total, 8223 individuals were included in meta-analyses, of whom 2997 were 80 years or older. We demonstrated a higher prevalence of cardioembolic stroke in people ≥80 years OR 1.68 (95% CI, 1.12-2.53). Small vessel disease was significantly less common in older people OR .64 (95% CI, .50-.81). Regarding large vessel disease, no statistically significant difference between the two groups was shown OR 1.05 (95% CI, .77-1.43). CONCLUSION: In people ≥80 years, cardioembolic stroke is more common, and small vessel disease less common compared to people <80 years. Overall, the results have to be interpreted with caution due to few studies. Large studies using validated classification systems are needed.

Sex differences in the Norwegian Tenecteplase Trial (NOR-TEST).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Sex differences in acute ischemic stroke is of increasing interest in the era of precision medicine. We aimed to explore sex disparities in baseline characteristics, management and outcomes in patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis included in the Norwegian Tenecteplase trial (NOR-TEST). METHODS: NOR-TEST was an open-label, randomized, blinded endpoint trial, performed from 2012 to 2016, comparing treatment with tenecteplase to treatment with alteplase within 4.5 h after acute ischemic stroke symptom onset. Sex differences at baseline, treatment and outcomes were compared using multivariable logistic regression models. Heterogeneity in treatment was evaluated by including an interaction term in the model. RESULTS: Of 1100 patients enrolled, 40% were women, and in patients aged >80 years, the proportion of women was greater than men (19% vs. 14%; p = 0.02). Women had a lower burden of cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus (11% vs. 15%; p = 0.05) and a higher mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (1.7 ± 0.6 mmol/L vs. 1.3 ± 0.4 mmol/L; p < 0.001), and a higher proportion of women had never smoked (45% vs. 33%; p < 0.001) compared with men. While there was no sex difference in time from onset of symptoms to admission, door to needle time or in-hospital workup, women were admitted with more severe stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score 6.2 ± 5.6 vs. 5.3 ± 5.1; p = 0.01). Stroke mimic diagnosis was more common in women (21% vs. 15%; p = 0.01). There were no significant sex differences in clinical outcome, measured by the NIHSS, the modified Rankin Scale, intracranial hemorrhage and mortality. CONCLUSION: Women were underrepresented in number in NOR-TEST. The included women had a lower cardiovascular risk factor burden and more severe strokes.

The Relationship of Psychiatric Symptoms with Performance-Based and Self-Reported Cognitive Function After Ischemic Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: Findings on the relationship of psychiatric symptoms with performance-based and self-reported cognitive function post-stroke are inconclusive. We aimed to (1) study the relation of depression and anxiety to performance-based cognitive function and (2) explore a broader spectrum of psychiatric symptoms and their association with performance-based versus self-reported cognitive function. METHOD: Individuals with supratentorial ischemic stroke performed neuropsychological examination 3 months after stroke. For primary analyses, composite scores for memory and attention/executive function were calculated based on selected neuropsychological tests, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used. Psychiatric symptoms and self-reported cognitive function for secondary aims were assessed using the Symptom-Checklist-90 - Revised (SCL-90-R). RESULTS: In a sample of 86 patients [mean (M) age: 64.6 ± 9.2; Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), 3-7 days post-stroke: M = 28.4 ± 1.7; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) after 3 months: M = 0.7 ± 1.6] depressive symptoms (HADS) were associated with poorer memory performance after controlling for age, sex, and education (p ≤ .01). In a subsample (n = 41; Age: M = 65.7 ± 8.1; MMSE: M = 28.4 ± 1.8; NIHSS: M = 1.0 ± 1.9), symptoms of phobic anxiety (SCL-90-R) were associated with poorer performance-based memory and attention/executive function, and symptoms of anxiety (SCL-90-R) with lower attention/executive function. Higher levels of self-reported cognitive difficulties were associated with higher scores in all psychiatric domains (p ≤ .05). CONCLUSION: Even in relatively well-functioning stroke patients, depressive symptoms are associated with poorer memory. The results also suggest that various psychiatric symptoms are more related to self-reported rather than to performance-based cognitive function. Screening for self-reported cognitive difficulties may not only help to identify patients with cognitive impairment, but also those who need psychological treatment.

Reasons and predictors of non-thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted within 4.5 h.

OBJECTIVES: Thrombolytic treatment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) reduces stroke-related disability. Nearly 40% of all patients with AIS (<4.5 h) receive thrombolysis, but there is a large variation in the use between hospitals. Little is known about reasons and predictors for not giving thrombolytic treatment. Therefore, we aimed to investigate reasons for non-thrombolysis in patients admitted within 4.5 h. METHODS: All patients with AIS (<4.5 h) admitted to Akershus University Hospital, Norway, between January 2015 and December 2017 were examined. Patient characteristics and reasons for not giving thrombolysis were registered. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 535 patients admitted with AIS (<4.5 h), 250 (47%) did not receive thrombolysis and of these only 26% had an absolute contraindication to treatment. Among the 74% with relative contraindications, the most common reasons given were mild and improving symptoms. Previous stroke (OR 3.32, 95%CI 1.99-5.52), arriving between 3 h and 4.5 h after onset (OR 7.76, 95%CI 3.73-16.11) or having mild symptoms (OR 2.33, 95%CI 1.56-3.49) were all significant predictors of not receiving thrombolytic treatment in the multivariable logistic regression model. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of patients with AIS do not receive thrombolysis. This study highlights up-to-date findings that arriving late in the time window, mild symptoms, and previous stroke are strong predictors of non-treatment. It is uncertain whether there is an underuse of thrombolysis in AIS. Increasing the utility of thrombolysis in the 4.5 h time window must be weighed against possible harms.

Stroke unit demand in Norway - present and future estimates.

BACKGROUND: All stroke patients should receive timely admission to a stroke unit (SU). Consequently, most patients with suspected strokes - including stroke mimics (SM) are admitted. The aim of this study was to estimate the current total demand for SU bed capacity today and give estimates for future (2020-2040) demand. METHODS: Time trend estimates for stroke incidence and time constant estimates for length of stay (LOS) were estimated from the Norwegian Patient Registry (2010-2015). Incidence and LOS models for SMs were based on data from Haukeland University Hospital (2008-2017) and Akershus University Hospital (2020), respectively. The incidence and LOS models were combined with scenarios from Statistic Norway's population predictions to estimate SU demands for each health region. A telephone survey collected data on the number of currently available SU beds. RESULTS: In 2020, 361 SU beds are available, while demand was estimated to 302. The models predict a reduction in stroke incidence, which offsets projected demographic shifts. Still, the estimated demand for 2040 rose to 316, due to an increase in SMs. A variation of this reference scenario, where stroke incidence was frozen at the 2020-level, gave a 2040-demand of 480 beds. CONCLUSIONS: While the stroke incidence is likely to continue to fall, this appears to be balanced by an increase in SMs. An important uncertainty is how long the trend of decreasing stroke incidence can be expected to continue. Since the most important uncertainty factors point toward a potential increase, which may be as large as 50%, we would recommend that the health authorities plan for a potential increase in the demand for SU bed capacity.

Stroke admission rates before, during and after the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: There was a significant decrease in stroke admissions during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are concerns that stroke patients have not sought medical attention and in the months after the lockdown suffer recurrent severe strokes. The aims of this study were to investigate how stroke admission rates and distributions of severity varied before, during and after the lockdown in a representative Norwegian hospital population. METHODS: All patients discharged from Akershus University Hospital with a diagnosis of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or acute stroke from January to September 2020 were identified by hospital chart review. RESULTS: We observed a transient decrease in weekly stroke admissions during lockdown from an average of 21.4 (SD 4.7) before to 15.0 (SD 4.2) during and 17.2 (SD 3.3) after (p < 0.011). The proportion of mild ischemic and haemorrhagic strokes was also lower during lockdown with 66% before, 57% during and 68% after (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: The period of COVID-19 lockdown was associated with a temporary reduction in total admissions of strokes. In particular, there were fewer with TIA and mild stroke. Given the need to prevent the worsening of symptoms and risk of recurrence, it is necessary to emphasise the importance to seek medical care even in states of emergency.

Carotid Atherosclerosis and Longitudinal Changes of MRI Visual Rating Measures in Stroke Survivors: A Seven-Year Follow-Up Study.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess longitudinal changes in MRI measures of brain atrophy and white matter lesions in stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) survivors, and explore whether carotid stenosis predicts progression of these changes, assessed by visual rating scales. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with a first-ever stroke or TIA admitted to Bærum Hospital, Norway, in 2007/2008, were invited in the acute phase and followed for seven years. Carotid ultrasound was performed during the hospital stay. Carotid stenosis was defined as ≥50% narrowing of lumen. MRI was performed one and seven years after the index event and analyzed according to the visual rating scales Fazekas scale (0-3), Medial Temporal Lobe Atrophy (MTLA) (0-4) score, and Global Cortical Atrophy (GCA) scale (0-3). Patients with MRI scans at both time points were included in this sub-study. RESULTS: Of 227 patients recruited, 76 had both MRI examinations. Mean age 73.9±10.6, 41% women, and 9% had ≥50% carotid stenosis. Mean Fazekas scale was 1.7±0.9 and 1.8±1.0, mean MTLA score 1.0 ±1.0 and 1.7±1.0, and mean GCA scale score 1.4±0.7 and 1.4±0.6 after one and seven years, respectively. 71% retained the same Fazekas scale score, while 21% showed progression. Deterioration in GCA scale was seen in 20% and increasing MTLA score in 57%. Carotid stenosis was not associated with progression on Fazekas score, MTLA score or GCA scale. CONCLUSIONS: Three out of five showed progression on the MTLA score. Carotid stenosis was not associated with longitudinal change of visual rating scales.

No evidence for amyloid pathology as a key mediator of neurodegeneration post-stroke - a seven-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment (CI) with mixed vascular and neurodegenerative pathologies after stroke is common. The role of amyloid pathology in post-stroke CI is unclear. We hypothesize that amyloid deposition, measured with Flutemetamol (18F-Flut) positron emission tomography (PET), is common in seven-year stroke survivors diagnosed with CI and, further, that quantitatively assessed 18F-Flut-PET uptake after 7 years correlates with amyloid-ß peptide (Aß42) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at 1 year, and with measures of neurodegeneration and cognition at 7 years post-stroke. METHODS: 208 patients with first-ever stroke or transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) without pre-existing CI were included during 2007 and 2008. At one- and seven-years post-stroke, cognitive status was assessed, and categorized into dementia, mild cognitive impairment or normal. Etiologic sub-classification was based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, CSF biomarkers and clinical cognitive profile. At 7 years, patients were offered 18F-Flut-PET, and amyloid-positivity was assessed visually and semi-quantitatively. The associations between 18F-Flut-PET standardized uptake value ratios (SUVr) and measures of neurodegeneration (medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTLA), global cortical atrophy (GCA)) and cognition (Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), Trail-making test A (TMT-A)) and CSF Aß42 levels were assessed using linear regression. RESULTS: In total, 111 patients completed 7-year follow-up, and 26 patients agreed to PET imaging, of whom 13 had CSF biomarkers from 1 year. Thirteen out of 26 patients were diagnosed with CI 7 years post-stroke, but only one had visually assessed amyloid positivity. CSF Aß42 levels at 1 year, MTA grade, GCA scale, MMSE score or TMT-A at 7 years did not correlate with 18F-Flut-PET SUVr in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Amyloid binding was not common in 7-year stroke survivors diagnosed with CI. Quantitatively assessed, cortical amyloid deposition did not correlate with other measures related to neurodegeneration or cognition. Therefore, amyloid pathology may not be a key mediator of neurodegeneration 7 years post-stroke. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00506818). July 23, 2007. Inclusion from February 2007, randomization and intervention from May 2007 and trial registration in July 2007.

Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on stroke admission rates in a Norwegian population.

OBJECTIVES: There are concerns that public anxiety around COVID-19 discourages patients from seeking medical help. The aim of this study was to see how lockdown due to the pandemic affected the number of admissions of acute stroke. METHODS: All patients discharged from Akershus University Hospital with a diagnosis of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or acute stroke were identified by hospital chart review. January 3 to March 12 was defined as before, and March 13 to April 30 as during lockdown. RESULTS: There were 21.8 admissions/week before and 15.0 admissions/week during the lockdown (P < .01). Patients had on average higher NIHSS during the lockdown than before (5.9 vs. 4.2, P = .041). In the multivariable logistic regression model for ischemic stroke (adjusted for sex, age, living alone and NIHSS ≤ 5), there was an increased OR of 2.05 (95% CI 1.10-3.83, P = .024) for not reaching hospital within 4.5 hours during the lockdown as compared to the period before the lockdown. CONCLUSION: There was a significant reduction in number of admissions for stroke and TIAs during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway.

The association of stroke severity with health-related quality of life in survivors of acute cerebrovascular disease and their informal caregivers during the first year post stroke: a survey study.

PURPOSE: To describe the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of caregivers and survivors of transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and stroke during one year post discharge in comparison to age- and sex-matched population norms; and to analyse the association of initial stroke severity, measured by a routinely used stroke-specific scale, on subsequent HRQoL of caregivers and survivors. METHODS: Cohort of hospitalized patients with TIA and stroke discharged alive from a large university hospital in Norway, and their informal caregivers. Questionnaires at 3 and 12 months post discharge were filled out by caregivers (n = 320 and n = 326, respectively) and survivors (n = 368 and n = 383, respectively). Multivariable linear regression analyses tested associations between initial stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS) and HRQoL (EQ-5D-3L) in caregivers and survivors. RESULTS: Caregivers of survivors with TIA or stroke did not report lower HRQoL than matched norms. There was some evidence of an association of the NIHSS with caregiver HRQoL at 3 months only (age-sex-adjusted coefficient - 0.01, p = 0.008), however, this was attenuated after additional adjustments. Survivors with stroke, but not TIA, reported lower HRQoL than population norms at both time points. There was a negative association between higher NIHSS scores and survivors' HRQoL; fully adjusted coefficient - 0.01 at both time points (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The informal caregivers and survivors with TIA did not report lower than expected HRQoL. Increasing stroke severity was associated with decreasing HRQoL among survivors, but had limited predictive value among caregivers. Other factors may therefore be better indicators of 'at risk' caregivers.

The effect of augmented speech-language therapy delivered by telerehabilitation on poststroke aphasia-a pilot randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Pilot a definitive randomized controlled trial of speech-language telerehabilitation in poststroke aphasia in addition to usual care with regard to recruitment, drop-outs, and language effects. DESIGN: Pilot single-blinded randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Telerehabilitation delivered from tertiary rehabilitation center to participants at their home or admitted to secondary rehabilitation centers. SUBJECTS: People with naming impairment due to aphasia following stroke. INTERVENTION: Sixty-two participants randomly allocated to 5 hours of speech and language telerehabilitation by videoconference per week over four consecutive weeks together with usual care or usual care alone. The telerehabilitation targeted functional, expressive language. MAIN MEASURES: Norwegian Basic Aphasia Assessment: naming (primary outcome), repetition, and auditory comprehension subtests; Verb and Sentence Test sentence production subtest and the Communicative Effectiveness Index at baseline, four weeks, and four months postrandomization. Data were analyzed by intention to treat. RESULTS: No significant between-group differences were seen in naming or auditory comprehension in the Norwegian Basic Aphasia Assessment at four weeks and four months post randomization. The telerehabilitation group (n = 29) achieved a Norwegian Basic Aphasia Assessment repetition score of 8.9 points higher (P = 0.026) and a Verb and Sentence Test score 3 points higher (P = 0.002) than the control group (n = 27) four months postrandomization. Communicative Effectiveness Index was not significantly different between groups, but increased significantly within both groups. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Augmented telerehabilitation via videoconference may be a viable rehabilitation model for aphasia affecting language outcomes poststroke. A definitive trial with 230 participants is needed to confirm results.

The effects of a dialogue-based intervention to promote psychosocial well-being after stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a dialogue-based intervention targeting psychosocial well-being at 12 months post-stroke. DESIGN: Multicenter, prospective, randomized, assessor-blinded, controlled trial with two parallel groups. SETTING: Community. SUBJECTS: Three-hundred and twenty-two adults (⩾18 years) with stroke within the last four weeks were randomly allocated into intervention group (n = 166) or control group (n = 156). INTERVENTIONS: The intervention group received a dialogue-based intervention to promote psychosocial well-being, comprising eight individual 1-1½ hour sessions delivered during the first six months post-stroke. MAIN MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). Secondary outcome measures included the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39g, the Sense of Coherence scale, and the Yale Brown single-item questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of the participants was 66.8 (12.1) years in the intervention group and 65.7 (13.3) years in the control group. At 12 months post-stroke, the mean (SE) GHQ-28 score was 20.6 (0.84) in the intervention group and 19.9 (0.85) in the control group. There were no between-group differences in psychosocial well-being at 12 months post-stroke (mean difference: -0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): -3.08, 1.60). The secondary outcomes showed no statistically significant between-group difference in health-related quality of life, sense of coherence, or depression at 12 months. CONCLUSION: The results of this trial did not demonstrate lower levels of emotional distress and anxiety or higher levels of health-related quality of life in the intervention group (dialogue-based intervention) as compared to the control group (usual care) at 12 months post-stroke.

Safety and Outcomes of Tenecteplase in Moderate and Severe Ischemic Stroke.

Background and Purpose- Tenecteplase represents a promising alternative to alteplase as thrombolytic treatment in acute ischemic stroke. There are limited data on tenecteplase 0.4 mg/kg in patients with increased stroke severity. We aimed to assess safety and efficacy of tenecteplase 0.4 mg/kg in patients with moderate and severe ischemic stroke. Methods- NOR-TEST (Norwegian Tenecteplase Stroke Trial) was a phase III trial designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of tenecteplase 0.4 mg/kg versus alteplase 0.9 mg/kg in ischemic stroke. In this post hoc analysis, moderate stroke was defined as admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale; 6 to 14 and severe stroke as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale; ≥15. Rates of favorable outcome at 90 days, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality after 7 and 90 days were assessed. Results- In patients with moderate stroke (n=261), there were no differences in rates of favorable outcome, sICH, or mortality between tenecteplase and alteplase. In patients with severe stroke (n=87), there were no differences in outcome, frequency of sICH, or mortality at 7 days, but all-cause mortality at 90 days was increased in patients treated with tenecteplase (10 [26.3%] versus 4 [9.1%]; P=0.045). One patient died of sICH in the tenecteplase group, and 2 patients died of sICH in the alteplase group. Conclusions- Rates of favorable outcome and sICH were similar between treatment groups in patients with moderate and severe stroke. Mortality after 90 days was increased in patients with severe stroke receiving tenecteplase. Future studies assessing tenecteplase 0.4 mg/kg should monitor safety parameters closely in patients with severe stroke. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01949948.

Tenecteplase Versus Alteplase Between 3 and 4.5 Hours in Low National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale.

Background and Purpose- Thrombolysis with alteplase has beneficial effect on outcome and is safe within 4.5 hours. The present study compares the efficacy and safety of tenecteplase and alteplase in patients treated 3 to 4.5 hours after ischemic stroke. Methods- The data are from a prespecified substudy of patients included in The NOR-TEST (Norwegian Tenecteplase Stroke Trial), a randomized control trial comparing tenecteplase with alteplase. Results- The median admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale for this study population was 3 (interquartile range, 2-6). In the intention-to-treat analysis, 57% of patients that received tenecteplase and 53% of patients that received alteplase reached good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-1) at 3 months (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.68-2.10). The rates of intracranial hemorrhage in the first 48 hours were 5.7% in the tenecteplase group and 6.7% in the alteplase group (odds ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.26-2.70). At 3 months, mortality was 5.7% and 4.5%, respectively. After excluding stroke mimics and patients with modified Rankin Scale score of >1 before stroke, the proportion of patients with good functional outcome was 61% in the tenecteplase group and 57% in the alteplase group (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.65-2.37). Conclusions- Tenecteplase is at least as effective as alteplase to achieve a good clinical outcome in patients with mild stroke treated between 3 and 4.5 hours after ischemic stroke. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01949948.

Predictors for Favorable Cognitive Outcome Post-Stroke: A-Seven-Year Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Knowledge of the burden and development of post-stroke cognitive impairments (CIs) in the long-term after the first event is limited. We aimed to assess the prevalence of mild CI (MCI) and dementia 7 years after first-ever stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), to subclassify the impairments, and to identify predictors for a favorable cognitive outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 2007 and 2008, 208 patients with first-ever stroke or TIA without preexisting CI were included. After 1 and 7 years, survivors were invited to a follow-up. Transitions of cognitive status from 1 to 7 years were recorded based on the 3 categories dementia, MCI, or none. Etiologic subclassification was based on clinical cognitive profile, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and biomarkers at both time points. Favorable outcome was defined as normal cognitive function or MCI after 7 years with exclusion of those who had progression from normal to MCI. RESULTS: Eighty patients died during follow-up, 12 patients refused further participation. After 7 years, 109 completed follow-up of whom 40 (37%) were diagnosed with MCI and 24 (22%) with dementia. Of the 64 patients diagnosed with CI, 9 were subclassified with degenerative cognitive disease, 13 with vascular disease, and 42 had mixed cognitive disease. In all, 65 patients (60%) had a favorable outcome. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, lower age and lower medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTLA) grade on MRI at 12 months were independently associated with a favorable outcome, adjusted OR (95% CI), 0.94 (0.86-0.92), and 0.55 (0.35-0.85), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sixty percent of stroke survivors have a favorable cognitive outcome. Lower age and lower MTLA grade on MRI were associated with favorable outcome.

Patient and service factors associated with referral and admission to inpatient rehabilitation after the acute phase of stroke in Australia and Norway.

BACKGROUND: Unequal access to inpatient rehabilitation after stroke has been reported. We sought to identify and compare patient and service factors associated with referral and admission to an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) after acute hospital care for stroke in two countries with publicly-funded healthcare. METHODS: We compared two cohorts of stroke patients admitted consecutively to eight acute public hospitals in Australia in 2013-2014 (n = 553), and to one large university hospital in Norway in 2012-2013 (n = 723). Outcomes were: referral to an IRF; admission to an IRF if referred. Logistic regression models were used to identify and compare factors associated with each outcome. RESULTS: Participants were similar in both cohorts: mean age 73 years, 40-44% female, 12-13% intracerebral haemorrhage, ~ 77% mild stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale < 8). Services received during the acute admission differed (Australia vs. Norway): stroke unit treatment 82% vs. 97%, physiotherapy 93% vs. 79%, occupational therapy 83% vs. 77%, speech therapy 78% vs. 13%. Proportions referred to an IRF were: 48% (Australia) and 37% (Norway); proportions admitted: 35% (Australia) and 28% (Norway). Factors associated with referral in both countries were: moderately severe stroke, receiving stroke unit treatment or allied health assessments during the acute admission, living in the community, and independent pre-stroke mobility. Directions of associations were mostly congruent; however younger patients were more likely to be referred and admitted in Norway only. Models for admission among patients referred identified few associated factors suggesting that additional factors were important for this stage of the process. CONCLUSIONS: Similar factors were associated with referral to inpatient rehabilitation after acute stroke in both countries, despite differing service provision and access rates. Assuming it is not feasible to provide inpatient rehabilitation to all patients following stroke, the criteria for the selection of candidates need to be understood to address unwanted biases.

Stroke-Related Knowledge and Lifestyle Behavior among Stroke Survivors.

AIMS: Awareness of stroke symptoms and risk factors, and actions taken in order to reduce the risk of new stroke events, should be of great importance among stroke survivors. The aims of this study were to assess changes in stroke-related knowledge and lifestyle behavior among patients experiencing a cerebrovascular event, and to assess the agreement between the patients' self-reported diagnosis, and the discharge diagnosis. METHODS: All patients discharged with a diagnosis of stroke or transient ischemic attack during a 1-year period, received postal survey questionnaires at 3 and 12 months after discharge. The questionnaires included questions about symptom knowledge, lifestyle behavior, and patients were asked to report on their diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 282 patients were included (mean age 71.8 years, 57.1% men). Self-reported symptom knowledge was increased at 3 months (P < .001), and this persisted at 12 months. There was a poor correlation (r = .082; P = .171) between increasing symptom knowledge and stated lifestyle behavior changes. In all, 63% of the respondents correctly identified their own cerebrovascular subtype. Thirty-seven percent had quit smoking after 12 months, 30% reported that they used less sugary items, and 26% used less fatty food after the cerebrovascular event. CONCLUSIONS: Stroke survivors reported increased stroke symptoms knowledge after 3 and 12 months. A proportion of patients made changes in lifestyle behavior. Only 2 out of 3 patients correctly identified their own cerebrovascular subtype, indicating room for improvement in clinical practice when informing and communicating with stroke and transient ischemic attack patients about their diagnosis.

Stroke Risk Is Low after Urgently Treated Transient Ischemic Attack.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decades, the approach to patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) has shifted from treating only patients considered at high risk of recurrent stroke, to referring all patients with TIA to urgent assessment and immediate initiation of preventive treatment. The data on how this change has influenced the stroke rate after TIA are limited. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to identify the incidence of stroke recurrence after TIA. Second, we wanted to evaluate the ABCD2 score as a predictor of recurrent stroke. METHODS: Patients discharged with a diagnosis of TIA from the Stroke Unit at Akershus University Hospital between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013 were included in the study. Data were obtained from the electronic medical records. Readmission data to capture recurrent strokes were registered until December 31, 2015. RESULTS: In total, 261 patients were included. Mean age was 70.7 years. Stroke incidence at 1 month, 1 year, and the end of follow-up was 1.5% (n = 4), 3.4% (n = 9), and 4.2% (n = 11), respectively. Median time from TIA until recurrent stroke was 90 days. The ability of the ABCD2 score to predict recurrent stroke was low. CONCLUSIONS: Urgent admission of patients with TIA is followed by a very low risk of early and late recurrent stroke. The ABCD2 score did not identify patients at high risk of recurrent stroke.

Differences in and Determinants of Prehospital Delay Times among Stroke Patients-1994 Versus 2012.

OBJECTIVES: Prehospital delay is a challenge for stroke treatment and the delivery of time-critical treatments. Few studies have examined secular trends in prehospital delay, and results vary. This study investigates how prehospital delay among Norwegian stroke patients has changed over the last 2 decades. METHODS: We compared time from symptom onset to admission in 2 cohorts of stroke patients admitted to Akershus University Hospital, Norway, in 1994 (n = 550) and 2012 (n = 522), and constructed predictive models for arrival within 3 hours for each cohort. RESULTS: More patients arrived within 3 hours of symptom onset in 2012 compared to 1994 (proportion, 47.1% versus 19.3%, P < .001), also after adjusting for age, sex, and baseline differences; odds ratio (OR) was 5.14 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.69-7.15). Stroke severity was the only predictor examined that was independently associated with early arrival during both periods. For patients with moderate strokes the overall OR was 2.06 (95% CI 1.41-3.00) and for severe strokes 4.52 (95% CI 2.97-6.87), compared to those with mild strokes. In the 1994 cohort additional predictors of early arrival were living with others and not being admitted from nursing home. CONCLUSIONS: Prehospital delay in Norway has decreased considerably over the last 2 decades and since the availability of time-critical treatments. However, there is still an urgent need to reduce the number of delayed admissions as a large proportion of patients continue to arrive too late to benefit from these treatments. Patients with severer strokes were predicted to have earlier arrival.