A newly designed intensive caregiver education program reduces cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a newly designed intensive caregiver education program (ICEP) on reducing cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. One hundred and ninety-six AIS patients were divided into ICEP group and Control group in a 1:1 ratio using blocked randomization method. In the ICEP group, the caregivers received ICEP, while in the Control group caregivers received usual education and guidance. All patients received conventional rehabilitation treatment. Cognitive impairment (assessed by Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score), anxiety (assessed by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)-A score and Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) score), and depression (assessed by HADS-D score and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) score) were assessed at baseline (M0), 3 months (M3), 6 months (M6), and 12 months (M12). Cognitive impairment score at M12 and cognitive impairment score change (M12–M0) were increased, while cognitive impairment rate at M12 was reduced in the ICEP group compared with the Control group. Anxiety score change (M12–M0), anxiety score at M12, and anxiety rate at M12 were decreased in the ICEP group compared with the Control group. Depression score change (M12–M0), depression score at M12, and depression rate at M12 were lower in the ICEP group compared with the Control group. Further subgroup analysis based on baseline features also provided similar results. In conclusion, ICEP effectively reduced cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression in AIS patients.

Acute and long-term impairments regarding emotional symptoms and quality of life in patients suffering from transient ischemic attack and stroke

“…Although this observation needs to be confirmed in larger studies, these data support the usefulness of an early clinical awareness regarding emotional symptoms in TIA patients. Standardized aftercare concepts -as already tested in stroke patients [37,38] -including for instance rehabilitative aspects, caregiver education, and psychometric assessment could in this context also represent useful tools for TIA patients [39]. An early identification of patients at risk would allow interventions such as supporting information, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments with the intention to prevent long-term non-physical TIA sequelae.…”

Combination of Vinpocetine and Dexamethasone Alleviates Cognitive Impairment in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients following Radiation Injury

“…Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), and MoCA were usually used for cognitive function estimation [17]. Both on the beginning day of therapy and the completion of therapy (after 14 days), the SAS, SDS, and MoCA were used to assess cognitive function in all groups.…”

Roles and Problems of Stroke Caregivers: A Qualitative Study in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

“…The importance of training and education for caregivers is also supported by other studies that showed a reduction in complications through providing education programs to caregivers. 12 This role can be seen in the following quotes:…”