Epidemiology of post-stroke dementia

Abstract

Twenty to 25% of stroke patients are demented after stroke, which makes stroke an important risk factor for dementia. However, the diagnosis of dementia is difficult and depends heavily on methodology. In this review, we describe pitfalls of diagnosis, the prevalence and incidence of dementia after stroke based on data from prospectively studied stroke cohorts, and the risk factors for post-stroke dementia that emerged from these studies. Finally, the course and prognosis of post-stroke dementia are described.