Detecting and Predicting Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment Using the Oxford Cognitive Screen

Cognitive problems are common after a stroke and must be identified early so that rehabilitation can be initiated to improve outcome. As a comprehensive cognitive assessment is rarely possible during hospitalization, short screening tools are often used. In 2015, a tool developed specifically to screen for cognitive deficits in stroke, the Oxford Cognitive Screen (OCS), was released. Despite the tool now being widely used internationally, we don't know how good it is at finding cognitive problems and know very little about how well it predicts cognitive recovery. In this study, we will assess cognition in 240 stroke survivors using the OCS and detailed cognitive tests in both the early stage (within three weeks of stroke) and the chronic stage (6-9 months post-stroke) to learn more about how well the tool does at measuring cognitive problems and predicting recovery. The study will also inform us on how large a percent of stroke survivors have cognitive impairments in the early stages after stroke and in the chronic stage of recovery.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older * Diagnosis of stroke * Able to receive and express information in Danish with appropriate communication support as needed (including participants with aphasia) * Cognitive assessment considered clinically safe by treating medical doctor (decision based on the patient's current medical status, stability, and ability to engage in a non-invasive neuropsychological assessment). Patients who are too medically unstable, too fatigued, or otherwise unable to participate meaningfully at a given time point will be assessed later within the first three weeks after stroke. If they within the first three weeks after stroke are not considered fit to participate, they will not be included in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * No exclusions will be made based on premorbid characteristics such as previous neurological, psychiatric, or medical conditions, as long as these do not preclude participation in basic cognitive testing.