Nutritional and social support enhance cognitive function in acute cerebral infarction patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading global cause of disability and mortality, with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) affecting 20%-40% of survivors. PSCI ranges from mild cognitive decline to dementia, severely hindering functional recovery, increasing healthcare costs, and elevating risks of recurrent stroke and death. While nutritional support aids neuronal repair and reduces oxidative damage, and social support alleviates psychological distress, existing studies often evaluate these interventions in isolation. This study investigates the combined effects of standardized nutritional intervention and structured social support on cognitive function, psychological status, and quality of life (QoL) in AIS patients with cognitive dysfunction, aiming to establish an integrated rehabilitation model.

AIM

To explore the effects of nutritional intervention and social support on the cognitive function and psychological status in patients with acute cerebral infarction complicated by cognitive dysfunction.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted. A total of 59 patients with acute cerebral infarction complicated by cognitive dysfunction from January 2023 to December 2023 were selected as the control group. Another 59 patients with the same condition were selected as the research group. The research group received standardized nutritional intervention and regular social support, including dietary guidance, nutritional supplementation, psychological counseling, and family support plans. The control group received routine medical care. Cognitive function, anxiety, depression, QoL, sleep quality, nutritional status, and family satisfaction were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores of the research group were higher than those of the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that increases in serum albumin (Alb), prealbumin (PAB), and hemoglobin (Hb) were all highly and significantly associated with improvements in MMSE and MoCA scores (P < 0.05). The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale scores of the research group were lower than those of the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). The scores of QoL dimensions in the research group were higher than those of the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores and total score of the research group were lower than those of the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). The serum Alb, PAB, and Hb levels in the research group were higher than those of the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). The Social Disability Screening Schedule scores of the research group were lower than those of the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). The family satisfaction of the research group was significantly higher than that of the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Nutritional intervention and social support significantly improved the cognitive function, psychological status, and QoL in patients with acute cerebral infarction complicated by cognitive dysfunction. These interventions reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, improved sleep and nutritional status, and enhanced the social adaptability of patients as well as family satisfaction.

Keywords: Nutritional intervention; Social support; Acute cerebral infarction; Cognitive dysfunction

Core Tip: This study investigated the effects of nutritional intervention and social support on patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI) complicated by cognitive dysfunction. The results showed that the research group, receiving standardized nutritional support (e.g., dietary guidance and supplementation) and social support (e.g., psychological counseling and family involvement), demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive function (measured by Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment), psychological status (reduced Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale scores), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and nutritional markers (albumin, prealbumin, hemoglobin) compared to the control group. These findings highlight the clinical value of integrated interventions for enhancing recovery in ACI patients.