A group of researchers from the Joint Laboratory for Neurological Rehabilitation Research at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Adi-Negev Nahalat Eran have made new discoveries regarding the difficulties in treating post-stroke patients.
Stroke, which results from a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain, can cause significant neuronal damage. Approximately 72% of post-stroke patients suffer some form of cognitive impairment, manifested in problems with memory, attention and executive functions.
The recent study published by BGU revealed that these patients face significant difficulties not only in their independence, but also in following instructions, which directly impacts their rehabilitation process.
How did they come to this conclusion? The scientists analysed 31 patients who had suffered a stroke and compared them with a control group of 36 people of similar ages (55-75 years). They used computerised tasks to measure skills such as information processing speed, response inhibition and accuracy in following instructions.
The first group showed a decrease in accuracy and response times, as well as a deterioration in information processing speed and the ability to inhibit automatic responses.
