ABSTRACT
Objective To analyze the cognitive changes and influencing factors in patients with lacunar cerebral infarction after carotid artery intervention therapy. Methods Sixty lacunar cerebral infarction combined with carotid stenosis patients treated with artery intervention therapy (intervention therapy group) and 68 lacunar cerebral infarction without carotid stenosis patients treated with drug therapy (drug therapy group) were selected. The neuropsychological test was completed at entry and 1, 6, 12 months after entry, and the results were compared with 60 healthy controls (control group). The cognitive changes were observed. The neuropsychological test included mini mental state examination (MMSE), Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA) and cognitive field test. Results There were statistical differences in other scores except the Stroop test C section and Wechsler adult intelligence scale (WAIS-RC) picture arrangement subtest at entry in intervention therapy group and drug therapy group compared with control group (P0.05). In intervention therapy group, the MMSE scores, MoCA total score, Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test (ROCFT), auditory verb learning test (AVLT), and the WAIS-RC picture arrangement subtest, verbal fluency test, WAIS-RC digit span backwards subtest of performing function 12 months after entry were significantly better than those at entry, and there were statistical differences (P0.05);the MMSE score, MoCA total score, ROCFT, the immediate recall, long-time delayed recall and short delayed recall of AVLT, WAIS-RC picture arrangement subtest, verbal fluency test, WAIS-RC digit span backwards subtest of performing function and digit span backwards subtest of WAIS-RC 12 months after entry were significantly better than those at entry, and there were statistical differences (P0.05). In patients intervention therapy group, Logistic regression analysis showed that the MoCA score was related with age, hypertension and low education level (P0.05). Conclusions Cognitive impairment in patients with lacunar cerebral infarction and carotid stenosis is severe and extensive, but most cognition disorders can improve to normal level 12 months after artery intervention therapy.