Train-your-brain pilot community-based intervention after stroke: cognitive trajectory over 10-month follow-up

TL;DR

This study evaluated a cognitive training program for stroke survivors and caregivers, finding short-term benefits that did not last over 10 months.

Contribution

The study introduces a community-based cognitive intervention and tracks its effects over a 10-month period.

Findings

Stroke survivors showed short-term stabilization in cognitive function, but declines occurred after 10 months.

Caregivers showed improved language and memory scores at 10-month follow-up.

SDMT scores improved slightly after the intervention and remained stable over time.

Abstract

Stroke leads to cognitive impairments that affect survivors’ quality of life. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Train-Your-Brain (TYB) pilot community intervention in cognitive outcomes among stroke survivors and caregivers at baseline, post-intervention, and 10-month follow-up.

Thirty-one participants (20 stroke survivors, 11 caregivers) were evaluated. Cognitive functioning was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) with analysis of subtest-level performances and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT).

Among stroke survivors, MoCA immediate recall scores maintained during the intervention, but declined 10-months later (p = 0.005). Analysis of the MoCA delayed memory subtest revealed a graded performance across different recall formats. Free recall and category-cued recall deteriorated over 10 months, while multiple-choice format recall remained stable. A slight improvement was observed in SDMT scores from pre-TYB to post-TYB, which was relatively maintained after 10 months. Caregivers demonstrated significant improvements in MoCA language and sentence repetition (p = 0.014) scores at 10-month follow-up.

Our findings suggest that while the intervention may lead to short-term stabilization in cognitive functioning among stroke survivors, these gains may not be sustained over time. Persistent cognitive deficits underscore the need for ongoing and long-term support.