Cognitive Dysfunction and Physical Activity After Stroke: The Gothenburg Cognitive Stroke Study in the Elderly

This study explored the association between cognitive and executive dysfunction and level of physical activity 1 year after stroke. Cognition before stroke and cognitive and executive function in the acute phase and at 1 year after stroke were assessed in 74 subjects. Physical activity was assessed at 1 year after stroke. Factors that appeared to predict low level of physical activity at 1 year after stroke were impaired global cognition before stroke, visual neglect and impaired logical deductive ability in the acute phase, and impaired global cognition, executive function, and visual memory 1 year after stroke. Our findings underscore the importance of identifying stroke patients with impaired cognitive and executive function who are at risk for developing inactivity.