# 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.

## Key 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.