Member May 2026: The Hidden Side of Stroke: Cognition, Mood, and Fatigue-Session Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This Member May session focused on the “hidden side” of stroke: non-motor sequelae that often go underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially cognition, mood, sleep, and fatigue. After housekeeping and CME details, the presenters outlined goals for helping participants recognize common non-motor stroke complications and learn how to identify and manage them during recovery.<br /><br />Dr. Stacey McCarty reviewed post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI), explaining that it can range from mild deficits to post-stroke dementia and affects a large proportion of stroke survivors, including younger adults. She described key risk factors such as age, stroke severity, recurrent stroke, diabetes, hypertension, white matter disease, and frontal/temporal lobe injury. She also discussed pathophysiology, biomarkers, and management options, including neuropsychological testing, rehabilitation therapies, exercise, medications, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and digital cognitive interventions.<br /><br />Dr. Zainab Alawadi addressed post-stroke mood disorders, especially depression, emphasizing that they are common, underrecognized, and can severely affect participation in rehab and quality of life. She reviewed risk factors, screening tools, and treatment approaches, highlighting psychotherapy, exercise, and SSRIs or mirtazapine when medication is needed.<br /><br />Dr. Daniel Krasner covered sleep after stroke, distinguishing sleepiness from fatigue and reviewing insomnia, circadian rhythm disruption, sleep apnea, and movement disorders. He emphasized the importance of sleep hygiene, screening, polysomnography when indicated, and individualized treatment.<br /><br />The session ended with a case-based panel discussion about a stroke survivor experiencing brain fog, fatigue, low motivation, sleep problems, and depressive symptoms, reinforcing the need for integrated, multidisciplinary care.

Keywords

stroke

post-stroke cognitive impairment

post-stroke dementia

depression

sleep disorders

fatigue

cognition

mood disorders

sleep apnea

rehabilitation

multidisciplinary care