ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026OT178 IMPLEMENTATION OF ROUTINE COGNITIVE SCREENING (MOCA) AFTER ISCHEMIC STROKE: PROTOCOL FOR A PROSPECTIVE ONGOING STUDY

Abstract Background and aims Cognitive disturbances are frequently observed after ischemic stroke, including in patients with relatively mild neurological deficits at discharge. In routine stroke care, priority is understandably given to acute treatment and secondary prevention, whereas structured cognitive screening is not consistently incorporated into everyday clinical practice. This may lead to delayed recognition of early post-stroke cognitive impairment and postponement of appropriate rehabilitation strategies. Methods The study aims to integrate systematic cognitive assessment using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) into standard hospital stroke care and to explore the feasibility of this approach, as well as its potential relevance for early cognitive and functional trajectories. Results This single-centre prospective study includes consecutive adult patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke. Cognitive testing is performed prior to discharge and scheduled again at 3-month follow-up. Functional status, assessed by the modified Rankin Scale, and selected clinical characteristics are documented alongside cognitive measures. Particular attention is paid to practical aspects of implementation, including completion rates and follow-up adherence. The planned sample size is 60 participants. Conclusions The primary endpoint is the difference in MoCA scores between discharge and 3 months. Secondary endpoints include functional outcome at 3 months and feasibility indicators reflecting integration of cognitive screening into routine stroke management. Conflict of interest