A Simple Test Can Predict Stroke Risk in Older Men
Tue, February 23, 2010 at 03:00AM The risk of having a stroke after the age of 70 is increased in men who fail a simple test of mental ability. This is the message from a study published in the journal Neurology.
Swedish researchers, assessing the vascular risk factors for ischemic stroke, examined the predictive value of mental performance tests in 930 70-year-old men who were stroke-free. They used the Trail-Making Test A and B, and the Mini Mental State Exam. The men were followed for up to 13 years, during which time 166 had a stroke or a TIA (transient ischemic attack).
After the results of the mental tests had been adjusted for differences in education, social group, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, it was found that an increase in the times for completing Trail-Making Test B (the harder of the two) was linked with an increased risk of an ischemic stroke. The risk was increased more than threefold in the subjects in the highest 25% scoring range, compared with those in the lowest (i.e. fastest) 25%. There were no comparable associations of stroke risk with the other tests of mental function.
The Trail-Making Test B is a simple, timed, pencil-and-paper test where subjects are asked to connect dots in a 1-A-2-B pattern. The results of this study suggest it may be more useful than many more sophisticated tests of vascular impairment. Further studies will establish its specific place in screening older people.
Reader Comments (2)
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