Identification of Memory loss in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identification of Cognitive Impairment in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation
IRAS ID
273763
Contact name
Qutub Jamali
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Research Summary
This study aims to add to the current knowledge which would eventually benefit the patients participating in Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR). There have been studies done in the past emphasizing on the feasibility of referring patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in CR. However, there were some limitations which include the quality of data as the questionnaire used for assessment was a modified version of the recommended memory assessment tool and limited inclusion criteria where people with moderate to severe memory loss were not part of the study. Therefore, a comprehensive screening of memory is required which would include people from mild to severe cognitive impairment. Currently, cognitive assessment is not included in the core components of a cardiac rehabilitation program. The aim of this study is to identify whether cardiac rehabilitation can be a potential platform for early detection of cognitive impairment or dementia.
Summary of Results
The study objective is to determine if memory assessment should be included in routine follow up in cardiac rehabilitation.
48 participants expressed their interest. Out of 48, 18 consented for memory assessment. Out of 18, 14 participants had history of cognitive decline (p - 0.031). Out of 14, nine of them had it before and after an adverse cardiac event. Out of 14, five of them developed cognitive impairment after an adverse cardiac event. The difference between those with cognitive decline and those without was statistically significant. However, there was no statistical difference in the onset, after or other.
This suggests that there is significant number of patient with an adverse cardiac event presenting with cognitive decline irrespective of when this started. Therefore, there is a strong reason for us to advocate for cognitive testing in patient with an adverse cardiac event in cardiac rehabilitation. It is worth noting that none of these participants had been tested for cognitive decline prior to this study as this was not part of the cardiac rehabilitation program.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/YH/0146
Date of REC Opinion
6 Aug 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion