Risk factors for cognitive impairment in patients with acute cerebral infarction due to small artery occlusion

Abstract

Objective To identify the risk factors for mild cognitive impairment in patients with acute cerebral infarction caused by small artery occlusion in Lhasa, a plateau region. Methods From January 2016 to December 2019, 126 patients with acute cerebral infarction caused by small artery occlusion were enrolled at Tibet Autonomous Region People’s Hospital. Clinical data, imaging data, laboratory results, and neuropsychological scores were recorded. According to the evaluation results using the Montreal Cognitve Assessment scale, the patients were divided into a cognitive impairment group (Group 1; n=48) and a normal cognitive function group (Group 2; n=48). Results There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, gender, proportion of Tibetan patients, education level, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, HCY, or uric acid. The proportion of patients with diabetes mellitus in Group 1 was significantly higher than that in Group 2 (31.25% vs 14.10%, χ2=5.335, P=0.021). The proportion of patients with high altitude polycythemia in Group 1 was 22.92%, and that in Group 2 was only 8.97%; there was a significant difference between the two groups (χ2=4.717, P=0.030). The proportion of patients with intracranial demyelination was significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (47.92% vs 24.36%, χ2=7.421, P=0.006). Conclusion Patients with acute cerebral infarction caused by small artery occlusion are not uncommon in Lhasa area. The risk factors for cognitive impairment include diabetes mellitus, high altitude erythrocytosis, and severe intracranial demyelination. Key words: Arterial occlusive disease; Cerebral infarction; Cognitive disorders; Risk factor