Neural Basis of Cognitive Decline after Stroke

Cognitive decline is common after a stroke. Especially aging is a non-modifiable risk factor for stroke, which renders the brain more susceptible to post-stroke cognitive impairments. The neural basis of cognitive decline after a stroke involves structural and functional changes in the brain, including loss of neurons and synapses, changes in white matter integrity, alterations in cerebral blood flow, neurotransmitter systems, and disruptions in neural plasticity. The loss of neurons and synapses is one of the most significant pathological processes after a stroke, leading to cognitive declines and aging accelerations. Additionally, the disruption of white matter integrity affects neuronal communication between different brain regions. Stroke can also alter the functional properties of the brain, such as cerebral blood flow and neurotransmitter systems, and disrupt neural plasticity. Therefore, it is challenging for the brain to recover from cognitive deficits after a stroke.

The aim of this Research Topic is to focus on the neural basis of cognitive decline after stroke. Specifically, we aim to understand the brain structural/functional changes and their contributions to the cognitive decline and accelerated aging after a stroke. Basic science research on mechanisms underlying cognitive impairments after stroke and/or in aging brain are also important to identify new therapeutic targets.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to:
- How strokes affect cognitive function
- Characteristics of cognitive function changes after a stroke
- Mechanisms of cognitive impairments or brain aging acceleration after a stroke
- Brain network changes that affect cognitive function after a stroke
- Neuroimaging biomarkers predicate or reveal mechanisms of cognitive impairments after a stroke
We welcome Original Research Articles, Clinical Trials, Systematic Reviews, Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Mini Reviews.