Stroke: time to address cognition

INTRODUCTION

There has been much progress made in specialist stroke services over the last decade; however, increasing volumes of ongoing care occurs in the community, as stroke-survival rates are increasing and patients are living longer independently. Following specialist care, it is important to note that the long-term needs of stroke survivors are not being adequately addressed.¹ Further, nearly half of all stroke patients feel abandoned after they leave hospital.² The physical consequences post-stroke are often addressed as the highest priority due to their impact on dependency and practical care needs, with recognised routes of community referral, for example, to physiotherapy or occupational therapy. However, there are also less obvious and emotional effects such as depression, fatigue, and importantly, post-stroke cognitive changes.² In fact, nine in ten stroke survivors surveyed reported that they experienced at least one cognitive effect, which is the same number experiencing at least one physical effect.³ It is not always clear how best to manage or who to refer these individuals to even if they do present to their …