Is 25(OH)D Associated with Cognitive Impairment and Functional Improvement in Stroke? A Retrospective Clinical Study

• Published in: Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases 2015-07, Vol.24 (7), p.1479-1486
• Main Authors: Yalbuzdag, Seniz Akcay, MD, Sarifakioglu, Banu, MD, Afsar, Sevgi Ikbali, MD, Celik, Canan, MD, Can, Aslı, MD, Yegin, Tugba, MD, Senturk, Burcu, MD, Guzelant, Aliye Yildirim, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Biomarkers - blood; Cardiovascular; Cognition; Cognition Disorders - diagnosis; Cognition Disorders - etiology; Cognition Disorders - psychology; Cognition Disorders - rehabilitation; cognitive function; Disability Evaluation; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Motor Activity; Neurologic Examination; Neurology; Neuropsychological Tests; Predictive Value of Tests; Recovery of Function; rehabilitation; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Stroke; Stroke - complications; Stroke - diagnosis; Stroke - psychology; Stroke Rehabilitation; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; vitamin D; Vitamin D - analogs & derivatives; Vitamin D - blood; Vitamin D Deficiency - blood; Vitamin D Deficiency - complications; Vitamin D Deficiency - diagnosis; Vitamin D Deficiency - psychology
• ISSN: 1052-3057; 1532-8511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2015.03.007

Background In recent years, vitamin D deficiency has been suggested as a risk factor for ischemic stroke and stroke severity in both animal models and clinical studies. In this retrospective study, we investigated the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and functional outcomes in stroke patients during neurological rehabilitation program. We also investigated whether there is an association between 25(OH)D levels and cognitive impairment. Methods The study included the medical records of 120 stroke patients who participated in a neurological rehabilitation program. The motor and cognitive components of the Functional Independence Measurements of all patients at admission and discharge were recorded. The Functional Ambulatory Scale was used to assess motor functional status, and the Turkish-validated version of the minimental state examination test was used to assess cognitive status. Results A significant correlation was found between 25(OH)D level and cognitive impairment among patients who had ischemic strokes. High levels of 25(OH)D were associated with greater functional gain during the rehabilitation program in both ischemic stroke patients and hemorrhagic stroke patients. Conclusions High 25(OH)D levels might be associated with greater functional improvement and with less cognitive impairment in stroke patients.