Abstract
ObjectivesCognitive problems following stroke are of key concern to stroke survivors. Discussing risk of dementia at the time of stroke could have implications for follow-up care. However, informing someone who has just had a stroke about risk of dementia could cause distress. This survey explored healthcare professionals’ views on discussing risk of post-stroke dementia at the time of stroke. Materials and methodsThis online survey was aimed at all UK healthcare professionals who care for patients with stroke. The survey was distributed via the mailing lists of seven professional stroke-related organisations and Twitter. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise findings. ResultsSixty healthcare professionals completed the survey. Healthcare professionals were aware of the main risk factors associated with post-stroke dementia (e.g. previous stroke, age). Most respondents (N=34/60, 57%) thought that patients with acute stroke would benefit from knowing if they are at high risk of dementia, and 75% (N=45/60) agreed that carers would benefit. Despite this, the majority of healthcare professionals (N=47/53, 89%) who cared for patients with acute stroke in the past year said they rarely/never discussed dementia with their patients. Most respondents (N=46/60, 77%) thought risk of dementia should be discussed 1-6 months post-stroke. ConclusionAlthough healthcare professionals felt it would be helpful to discuss risk of post-stroke dementia, in practice, most said that they rarely or never discussed this with their patients. Stroke survivors could benefit from a healthcare system that offers appropriate follow-up care and support to patients at high risk of dementia.
Highlights
(4) Healthcare professionals are aware of the key risk factors associated with post-stroke dementia
(5) Over half of all healthcare professionals thought stroke physicians should inform the patient about risk of dementia
Over 80% of respondents said they would inform the patient’s GP. (6) The majority of healthcare professionals thought patients should be informed around 1-6 months after stroke, but it should be dependent on the individual patient
Summary
People who have a stroke are at an increased risk of developing dementia.[1,2] According to the 2021 JamesLind AllianceÀStroke Association Priority Setting Partnership, cognitive issues after stroke are a key concern of people who have a stroke.[3]. People who have a stroke are at an increased risk of developing dementia.[1,2]. Lind AllianceÀStroke Association Priority Setting Partnership, cognitive issues after stroke are a key concern of people who have a stroke.[3]. Identifying which patients with acute stroke are at risk of dementia could help. From the aCentre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK; bGeriatric Medicine, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK; cPopulation Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, England; dDivision of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and eInstitute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Vol 31, No 3 (March), 2022: 106279 patients and their carers to plan for the future. Informing a patient who has just had a stroke about their risk of dementia may cause anxiety.
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