Hippocampal subfield volumes are associated with verbal memory after first‐ever ischemic stroke

Abstract

Introduction Hippocampal subfield volumes are more closely associated with cognitive impairment than whole hippocampal volume in many diseases. Both memory and whole hippocampal volume decline after stroke. Understanding the subfields’ temporal evolution could reveal valuable information about post‐stroke memory. Methods We sampled 120 participants (38 control, 82 stroke), with cognitive testing and 3T‐MRI available at 3 months and 3 years, from the Cognition and Neocortical Volume after Stroke (CANVAS) study. Verbal memory was assessed using the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test‐Revised. Subfields were delineated using FreeSurfer. We used partial Pearson's correlation to assess the associations between subfield volumes and verbal memory scores, adjusting for years of education, sex, and stroke side. Results The left cornu ammonis areas 2/3 and hippocampal tail volumes were significantly associated with verbal memory 3‐month post‐stroke. At 3 years, the associations became stronger and involved more subfields. Discussion Hippocampal subfield volumes may be a useful biomarker for post‐stroke cognitive impairment.

Cortical thinning 3 years after ischaemic stroke is associated with cognitive impairment and APOE ε4

“…( Pendlebury and Rothwell, 2019 ) Multiple cognitive functions may become impaired, though slower information processing and executive dysfunction tend to be predominant features of vascular cognitive impairment. ( Al-Qazzaz, 2014 , Cumming et al, 2013 ) Imaging markers including hippocampal atrophy ( Khlif, 2021 ) and brain parenchymal volume loss ( Bu, 2021 ) have been associated with cognitive/functional outcomes following ischaemic stroke. We reported lower total brain volume 3 years post-stroke in survivors who were cognitively impaired (CI) at 3 months.…”

Neurodegeneration Over 3 Years Following Ischaemic Stroke: Findings From the Cognition and Neocortical Volume After Stroke Study

“…Thalamic dysfunction has been implicated in the clinical impairments seen after stroke, with ipsi-and contralesional thalamic atrophy over the first year reported (12). In addition, we have previously reported that hippocampal subfield atrophy correlated better with verbal memory impairment in this cohort, suggesting that whole hippocampal atrophy may not be the metric of choice in post-stroke cognitive impairment (55). The observed reduction in TBV in stroke survivors and the strong association with greater TBV loss in those who were cognitively impaired at 3 months are novel.…”

Cognitive Recovery After Stroke: Memory

“…Microstructural alterations in the ipsilateral hippocampus also occur after young onset stroke, 48 when concomitant degenerative changes are less likely to be a factor. Hippocampal subfield volumes correlate with verbal memory performance after stroke 49 and pathology studies reveal neuronal volume loss, which correlates with memory scores during life, consistent with secondary injury. 50 Given its role in cross-network integration, secondary changes in the thalamus could propagate across multiple networks and cognitive domains.…”