Abstract WP570: Associations Between Stroke Symptoms and Cognition in Nepal

Introduction: Low and middle income countries have the largest burden of stroke, accounting for more than 85% of stroke deaths globally. As many low- and middle-income countries, including Nepal, transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the impact of stroke on cognition becomes increasingly important. Methods: Data on cardiovascular risk factors and cognition were collected as part of the Dhulikhel Heart Study, a longitudinal study to evaluate risk factors for heart disease and stroke in Dhulikhel, a community outside of Kathmandu, Nepal. In Phase 1 of the baseline exam, 252 randomly-selected adults age 50 and older completed the Mini-Mental Exam (MMSE) and Digit Spans ( DST) forward and backward as part of a home interview. Mild stroke symptoms were collected by self-report the Questionnaire for Verifying Stroke-Free Status (QVSFS). Multiple linear regression evaluated associations between stroke symptoms and cognition adjusted for demographics (age, sex, education, religion, and ethnicity) and CVD risk factors (smoking, exercise, BMI, blood pressure, hypertension, and diabetes). Results: Mean age of study participants was 62.4 years (SD 9.2) and 57.5% were women. The mean MMSE score (weighted for illiteracy) was 18.7 (SD 6.4) and 19% reported to have had at least one of five stroke symptoms (sudden one-sided numbness or weakness, sudden vision-loss, inability to express oneself or inability to understand). An increased risk of lower memory score was found with report of a previous episode of numbness (DST backward: B=-1.17, SE=0.34, p=0.001). Borderline associations (.05 < p<.10) were found between any stroke symptoms and Digit Span forward, numbness and MMSE, and numbness and DST forward. When adjusted for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors, significant associations were found between having experienced any stroke symptom and Digit Span backward (B=-1.46, SE=0.66, p=.03) as well as numbness (B=-1.75, SE=0.72, p=0.02). Conclusions: Associations between previous stroke symptoms and reduced cognition emphasize the need to screen and treat persons with undiagnosed stroke or TIAs in low-resource settings. A reduction in modifiable vascular risk factors is also needed to reduce CVD and associated dementia.