Declining memory and cognitive ability may increase the risk of stroke in adults over age 65, according to research published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke.
Researchers analyzed data on cognitive function in 7,217 adults over the age of 65.
According to the study:
• Those with lower cognitive test scores before a stroke had a 61 percent higher chance of a stroke.
• After stroke, cognitive function declined almost twice as fast compared to those before stroke.
• Stroke coupled with cognitive decline increased the risk of death.
• Declining cognitive function before stroke increased the risk of stroke five-fold in African-Americans compared to European-Americans.
Researchers also found a strong link between low cognitive function and death. Participants with previous strokes had lower cognitive function and 78 percent died during follow-ups.
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