A severe traffic incident occurred at the Lucy Montoro Rehabilitation Institute (LMRI) in São Paulo, Brazil, leaving patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) grappling with cognitive impairments. A rigorous study initiated to evaluate cognitive dysfunction in SCI individuals revealed that approximately 80% of participants displayed signs of significant cognitive deficits.
The research enlisted 488 SCI patients undergoing initial assessments preceding intensive rehabilitation. It aimed to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment among this group and identify the main predictors affecting cognitive functions.
Assessment tools used in the study included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale, strategically adapted for patients with visual impairments, and a focus on execution tasks to evaluate visuospatial and executive capabilities.
Investigators succeeded in isolating a number of factors that appeared to influence cognitive scores profoundly. These included patient age, their level of education, the existence of depression, and the consumption of analgesics or opioids. Notably, these elements influenced cognitive capabilities independently of SCI-related clinical characteristics such as injury duration, gender, or educational background.
The prevalent cognitive impairments identified in the sample size are concerning and postulate the necessity for a comprehensive approach to management throughout hospitalization and rehabilitative processes. Such an approach could ameliorate the cognitive impact on SCI patients and aid in their recovery journey.
Source: Nature.com