Abstract
Background: Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) can lead to lasting changes in brain structure and function resulting in cognitive impairment. Cognitive screening tools may lack sensitivity for detecting cognitive impairments, particularly executive function, which tends to be the earliest affected domain in vascular cognitive impairment. Aim: In this preliminary study, we examine a working memory (WMem) task as a sensitive measure of cognitive impairment in TIA. Method: Patients referred to a TIA clinic for transient neurological symptoms completed a general cognitive screening tool (Montreal Cognitive Assessment; MoCA), and a WMem task (2-N-back) in a cross-sectional design. Results: TIA patients (n = 12) showed significantly reduced WMem performance on the N-back compared to patients diagnosed with mimic clinical conditions with overlapping symptoms (n = 16). No group differences were observed on the MoCA. Conclusions: Assessing WMem may provide a sensitive measure of cognitive impairment after TIA, with implications for cognitive screening in TIA services to triage patients for further neuropsychological support, or for interventions to prevent vascular dementia.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 124-131 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Brain Impairment |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 15 Dec 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 15 Mar 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This research received no specific grant from any funding agency, commercial or not-for-profit sector. PC is funded by a Stroke Association (UK) Thompson Family Senior Clinical Lectureship.
Keywords
- N-back
- sensitivity (d′)
- transient ischaemic attack
- Working memory
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
- Neurology
- Clinical Neurology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Speech and Hearing