EFFECT OF INTENSIVE COGNITIVE TRAINING ON COGNITION AND FUNCTIONAL STATUS IN ACUTE STROKE PATIENTS WITH POST STROKE COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT – A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a major contributor to disability worldwide. The blood supply to the brain is controlled by two internal carotid arteries anteriorly and two vertebral arteries posteriorly. Ischemic stroke is caused by the deficiency of blood and oxygen supply to the brain. Haemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding or punctured blood vessels. AIM: The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of intensive cognitive training on cognition and functional status in acute stroke patients with post stroke cognitive impairment. Methodology: Two groups were taken including the experimental group which received Intensive cognitive functional training combined with routine rehabilitation training and control group which received routine rehabilitation training. A minimum of 30 patients were recruited for the study and were divided into two groups, the total protocol duration was of 3 weeks. The patient received two training sessions twice a day, for 60 minutes. Outcome measures included Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA). Results: The results of the study showed that there was statistically significant difference in Control Group A and Experimental Group B. Therefore, the Experimental Group showed greater improvement for outcome measure MoCA and MBI as compared to Control Group. Conclusion: In conclusion, intensive cognitive training appears to enhance cognitive function in acute stroke patients with PSCI, with significant effects observed by the 21st day. These findings highlight the importance of structured cognitive rehabilitation in stroke recovery.