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Stroke is a common long-term condition with an increasing incidence as the population ages. This study evaluates temporal changes in the prevalence of cognitive impairment after first-ever stroke stratified by sociodemography, vascular risk factors, and stroke subtypes, up to 15 years after stroke.

Data were collected between 1995 and 2010 (n=4212) from the community-based South London Stroke Register covering an inner-city multiethnic population of 271 817 inhabitants. Patients were assessed for cognitive function using Abbreviated Mental Test or Mini-Mental State Examination at the onset, 3 months, and annually thereafter. All estimates were age adjusted to the European standard.

The overall prevalence of cognitive impairment 3 months after stroke and at annual follow-up remained relatively unchanged at 22% (24% [95% CI, 21.2–27.8] at 3 months; 22% [17.4 …