Forskningsprojekt A delayed significant improvement of cognition among young stroke survivors 10-year after stroke. What have happened in the brain?
Significance: Long-term cognitive alterations after stroke remain largely unknown. Through the rigorous rfMRI examination on the unique stroke cohort with long-term cognitive recovery, we may fill a gap of knowledge concerning the neuroplasticity behind the long-term cognitive recovery among those stroke survivors.
• Stroke Riksförbundet
• Strokeforskning I Norrland Insamlingsstiftelse
Background and objective: We have recently demonstrated a delayed significant improvement of working memory and visuospatial function among young stroke survivors 10-year after stroke. The aims of the current study are to investigate 1) whether there are any alterations/normalization on brain connectivity profiles among those cognitive improved young stroke survivors at 10 years after first ever stroke; 2) whether there is any correlation between connectivity profiles with cognitive improvements, such as results of backward digital span and block design.
Methods: The same cohort (38 stroke survivors) with long-term cognitive recovery will be recruited for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) examination. Structural depiction of the brain's gray and white substance will be performed with anatomical sequences (T1, T2 FLAIR, as well as T2 PROPELLER). The functional imaging of brain activity will be conducted by resting-state fMRI. By using Independent Components Analysis, imaging data will be carefully studied to identify both inter- and intra- hemispheric connectivity. The correlation between brain connectivity profiles and the previous improved cognitive results will be analyzed.
