The predictive validity of a Brain Care Score for dementia and stroke: data from the UK Biobank cohort

IntroductionThe 21-point Brain Care Score (BCS) was developed through a modified Delphi process in partnership with practitioners and patients to promote behavior changes and lifestyle choices in order to sustainably reduce the risk of dementia and stroke. We aimed to assess the associations of the BCS with risk of incident dementia and stroke.MethodsThe BCS was derived from the United Kingdom Biobank (UKB) baseline evaluation for participants aged 40–69 years, recruited between 2006–2010. Associations of BCS and risk of subsequent incident dementia and stroke were estimated using Cox proportional hazard regressions, adjusted for sex assigned at birth and stratified by age groups at baseline.ResultsThe BCS (median: 12; IQR:11–14) was derived for 398,990 UKB participants (mean age: 57; females: 54%). There were 5,354 incident cases of dementia and 7,259 incident cases of stroke recorded during a median follow-up of 12.5 years. A five-point higher BCS at baseline was associated with a 59% (95%CI: 40-72%) lower risk of dementia among participants aged <50. Among those aged 50–59, the figure was 32% (95%CI: 20-42%) and 8% (95%CI: 2-14%) for those aged >59 years. A five-point higher BCS was associated with a 48% (95%CI: 39-56%) lower risk of stroke among participants aged <50, 52% (95%CI, 47-56%) among those aged 50–59, and 33% (95%CI, 29-37%) among those aged >59.DiscussionThe BCS has clinically relevant and statistically significant associations with risk of dementia and stroke in approximately 0.4 million UK people. Future research includes investigating the feasibility, adaptability and implementation of the BCS for patients and providers worldwide

Secondary Hematoma Evacuation and Outcome After Initial Conservative Approach for Patients with Cerebellar Hematoma Larger than 3 cm

Background: In patients with spontaneous cerebellar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) guidelines advocate evacuation when the hematoma diameter is > 3 cm. We studied outcome in patients with cerebellar ICH > 3 cm who did not undergo immediate hematoma evacuation. Methods: We included consecutive patients with cerebellar ICH > 3 cm at two academic hospitals between 2008 and 2017. Patients who died 3 cm of whom 22 (23%) died 24 h, of whom 1 (14%) had received an EVD 3 cm is often considered an indication for immediate hematoma evacuation, there may be a subgroup of patients in whom surgery can be safely deferred. Further data are needed to assess the optimal timing and indications of surgical treatment in these patients

Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Spontaneous Cerebellar Hemorrhage: An International Cohort Study

International audienceBACKGROUND:Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the cerebellum has a poor short-term prognosis, whereas data on the long-term case fatality and recurrent vascular events are sparse. Herewith, we aimed to assess the long-term case fatality and recurrence rate of vascular events after a first cerebellar ICH.METHODS:In this international cohort study, we included patients from 10 hospitals (the United States and Europe from 1997 to 2017) aged ≥18 years with a first spontaneous cerebellar ICH who were discharged alive. Data on long-term case fatality and recurrence of vascular events (recurrent ICH [supratentoria or infratentorial], ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, or major vascular surgery) were collected for survival analysis and absolute event rate calculation.RESULTS:We included 405 patients with cerebellar ICH (mean age [SD], 72 [13] years, 49% female). The median survival time was 67 months (interquartile range, 23–100 months), with a cumulative survival rate of 34% at 10-year follow-up (median follow-up time per center ranged: 15–80 months). In the 347 patients with data on vascular events 92 events occurred in 78 patients, after initial cerebellar ICH: 31 (8.9%) patients had a recurrent ICH (absolute event rate, 1.8 per 100 patient-years [95% CI, 1.2–2.6]), 39 (11%) had an ischemic stroke (absolute event rate, 2.3 [95% CI, 1.6–3.2]), 13 (3.7%) had a myocardial infarction (absolute event rate, 0.8 [95% CI, 0.4–1.3]), and 5 (1.4%) underwent major vascular surgery (absolute event rate, 0.3 [95% CI, 0.1–0.7]). The median time to a first vascular event during follow-up was 27 months (interquartile range, 8.7–50 months), with a cumulative hazard of 47% at 10 years.CONCLUSIONS:The long-term prognosis of patients who survive a first spontaneous cerebellar ICH is poor and comparable to that of patients who survive a first supratentorial ICH. Further identification of patients at high risk of vascular events following the initial cerebellar ICH is needed. Including patients with cerebellar ICH in randomized controlled trials on secondary prevention of patients with ICH is warranted

The predictive validity of a Brain Care Score for dementia and stroke: data from the UK Biobank cohort

Introduction: The 21-point Brain Care Score (BCS) was developed through a modified Delphi process in partnership with practitioners and patients to promote behavior changes and lifestyle choices in order to sustainably reduce the risk of dementia and stroke. We aimed to assess the associations of the BCS with risk of incident dementia and stroke. Methods: The BCS was derived from the United Kingdom Biobank (UKB) baseline evaluation for participants aged 40–69 years, recruited between 2006–2010. Associations of BCS and risk of subsequent incident dementia and stroke were estimated using Cox proportional hazard regressions, adjusted for sex assigned at birth and stratified by age groups at baseline. Results: The BCS (median: 12; IQR:11–14) was derived for 398,990 UKB participants (mean age: 57; females: 54%). There were 5,354 incident cases of dementia and 7,259 incident cases of stroke recorded during a median follow-up of 12.5 years. A five-point higher BCS at baseline was associated with a 59% (95%CI: 40-72%) lower risk of dementia among participants aged 59 years. A five-point higher BCS was associated with a 48% (95%CI: 39-56%) lower risk of stroke among participants aged 59. Discussion: The BCS has clinically relevant and statistically significant associations with risk of dementia and stroke in approximately 0.4 million UK people. Future research includes investigating the feasibility, adaptability and implementation of the BCS for patients and providers worldwide

Brain care score and neuroimaging markers of brain health in asymptomatic middle-age persons

Objectives: To investigate associations between health-related behaviors as measured using the Brain Care Score (BCS) and neuroimaging markers of white matter injury. Methods: This prospective cohort study in the UK Biobank assessed the BCS, a novel tool designed to empower patients to address 12 dementia and stroke risk factors. The BCS ranges from 0 to 21, with higher scores suggesting better brain care. Outcomes included white matter hyperintensities (WMH) volume, fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean diffusivity (MD) obtained during 2 imaging assessments, as well as their progression between assessments, using multivariable linear regression adjusted for age and sex. Results: We included 34,509 participants (average age 55 years, 53% female) with no stroke or dementia history. At first and repeat imaging assessments, every 5-point increase in baseline BCS was linked to significantly lower WMH volumes (25% 95% CI [23%–27%] first, 33% [27%–39%] repeat) and higher FA (18% [16%–20%] first, 22% [15%–28%] repeat), with a decrease in MD (9% [7%–11%] first, 10% [4%–16%] repeat). In addition, a higher baseline BCS was associated with a 10% [3%–17%] reduction in WMH progression and FA decline over time. Discussion: This study extends the impact of the BCS to neuroimaging markers of clinically silent cerebrovascular disease. Our results suggest that improving one's BCS could be a valuable intervention to prevent early brain health decline

The predictive validity of a Brain Care Score for late-life depression and a composite outcome of dementia, stroke, and late-life depression: data from the UK Biobank cohort

Introduction: The 21-point Brain Care Score (BCS) is a novel tool designed to motivate individuals and care providers to take action to reduce the risk of stroke and dementia by encouraging lifestyle changes. Given that late-life depression is increasingly recognized to share risk factors with stroke and dementia, and is an important clinical endpoint for brain health, we tested the hypothesis that a higher BCS is associated with a reduced incidence of future depression. Additionally, we examined its association with a brain health composite outcome comprising stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. Methods: The BCS was derived from the United Kingdom Biobank baseline evaluation in participants with complete data on BCS items. Associations of BCS with the risk of subsequent incident late-life depression and the composite brain health outcome were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. These models were adjusted for age at baseline and sex assigned at birth. Results: A total of 363,323 participants were included in this analysis, with a median BCS at baseline of 12 (IQR: 11-14). There were 6,628 incident cases of late-life depression during a median follow-up period of 13 years. Each five-point increase in baseline BCS was associated with a 33% lower risk of incident late-life depression (95% CI: 29%-36%) and a 27% lower risk of the incident composite outcome (95% CI: 24%-30%). Discussion: These data further demonstrate the shared risk factors across depression, dementia, and stroke. The findings suggest that a higher BCS, indicative of healthier lifestyle choices, is significantly associated with a lower incidence of late-life depression and a composite brain health outcome. Additional validation of the BCS is warranted to assess the weighting of its components, its motivational aspects, and its acceptability and adaptability in routine clinical care worldwide

Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with Spontaneous Cerebellar Hemorrhage: An International Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the cerebellum has a poor short-term prognosis, whereas data on the long-term case fatality and recurrent vascular events are sparse. Herewith, we aimed to assess the long-term case fatality and recurrence rate of vascular events after a first cerebellar ICH. METHODS: In this international cohort study, we included patients from 10 hospitals (the United States and Europe from 1997 to 2017) aged ≥18 years with a first spontaneous cerebellar ICH who were discharged alive. Data on long-term case fatality and recurrence of vascular events (recurrent ICH [supratentoria or infratentorial], ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, or major vascular surgery) were collected for survival analysis and absolute event rate calculation. RESULTS: We included 405 patients with cerebellar ICH (mean age [SD], 72 [13] years, 49% female). The median survival time was 67 months (interquartile range, 23-100 months), with a cumulative survival rate of 34% at 10-year follow-up (median follow-up time per center ranged: 15-80 months). In the 347 patients with data on vascular events 92 events occurred in 78 patients, after initial cerebellar ICH: 31 (8.9%) patients had a recurrent ICH (absolute event rate, 1.8 per 100 patient-years [95% CI, 1.2-2.6]), 39 (11%) had an ischemic stroke (absolute event rate, 2.3 [95% CI, 1.6-3.2]), 13 (3.7%) had a myocardial infarction (absolute event rate, 0.8 [95% CI, 0.4-1.3]), and 5 (1.4%) underwent major vascular surgery (absolute event rate, 0.3 [95% CI, 0.1-0.7]). The median time to a first vascular event during follow-up was 27 months (interquartile range, 8.7-50 months), with a cumulative hazard of 47% at 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term prognosis of patients who survive a first spontaneous cerebellar ICH is poor and comparable to that of patients who survive a first supratentorial ICH. Further identification of patients at high risk of vascular events following the initial cerebellar ICH is needed. Including patients with cerebellar ICH in randomized controlled trials on secondary prevention of patients with ICH is warranted

sj-docx-1-wso-10.1177_17474930241246156 – Supplemental material for Predicting post-stroke cognitive impairment using electronic health record data

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-wso-10.1177_17474930241246156 for Predicting post-stroke cognitive impairment using electronic health record data by Jeffrey M Ashburner, Yuchiao Chang, Bianca Porneala, Sanjula D Singh, Nirupama Yechoor, Jonathan M Rosand, Daniel E Singer, Christopher D Anderson and Steven J Atlas in International Journal of Stroke</p

Computed Tomography Angiography Spot Sign, Hematoma Expansion, and Functional Outcome in Spontaneous Cerebellar Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose: The computed tomography angiography spot sign is associated with hematoma expansion, case fatality, and poor functional outcome in spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, no data are available on the spot sign in spontaneous cerebellar ICH. Methods: We investigated consecutive patients with spontaneous cerebellar ICH at 3 academic hospitals between 2002 and 2017. We determined patient characteristics, hematoma expansion (>33% or 6 mL), rate of expansion, discharge and 90-day case fatality, and functional outcome. Poor functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 4 to 6. Associations were tested using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Three hundred fifty-eight patients presented with cerebellar ICH, of whom 181 (51%) underwent a computed tomography angiography. Of these 181 patients, 121 (67%) were treated conservatively of which 15 (12%) had a spot sign. Patients with a spot sign treated conservatively presented with larger hematoma volumes (median [interquartile range]: 26 [7-41] versus 6 [2-13], P=0.001) and higher speed of expansion (median [interquartile range]: 15 [24-3] mL/h versus 1 [5-0] mL/h, P=0.034). In multivariable analysis, presence of the spot sign was independently associated with death at 90 days (odds ratio, 7.6 [95% CI, 1.6-88], P=0.037). With respect to surgically treated patients (n=60, [33%]), 14 (23%) patients who underwent hematoma evacuation had a spot sign. In these 60 patients, patients with a spot sign were older (73.5 [9.2] versus 66.6 [15.4], P=0.047) and more likely to be female (71% versus 37%, P=0.033). In a multivariable analysis, the spot sign was independently associated with death at 90 days (odds ratio, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.1-4.3], P=0.033). Conclusions: In patients with spontaneous cerebellar ICH treated conservatively, the spot sign is associated with speed of hematoma expansion, case fatality, and poor functional outcome. In surgically treated patients, the spot sign is associated with 90-day case fatality

The predictive validity of a Brain Care Score for late-life depression and a composite outcome of dementia, stroke, and late-life depression: data from the UK Biobank cohort

IntroductionThe 21-point Brain Care Score (BCS) is a novel tool designed to motivate individuals and care providers to take action to reduce the risk of stroke and dementia by encouraging lifestyle changes. Given that late-life depression is increasingly recognized to share risk factors with stroke and dementia, and is an important clinical endpoint for brain health, we tested the hypothesis that a higher BCS is associated with a reduced incidence of future depression. Additionally, we examined its association with a brain health composite outcome comprising stroke, dementia, and late-life depression.MethodsThe BCS was derived from the United Kingdom Biobank baseline evaluation in participants with complete data on BCS items. Associations of BCS with the risk of subsequent incident late-life depression and the composite brain health outcome were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. These models were adjusted for age at baseline and sex assigned at birth.ResultsA total of 363,323 participants were included in this analysis, with a median BCS at baseline of 12 (IQR: 11-14). There were 6,628 incident cases of late-life depression during a median follow-up period of 13 years. Each five-point increase in baseline BCS was associated with a 33% lower risk of incident late-life depression (95% CI: 29%-36%) and a 27% lower risk of the incident composite outcome (95% CI: 24%-30%).DiscussionThese data further demonstrate the shared risk factors across depression, dementia, and stroke. The findings suggest that a higher BCS, indicative of healthier lifestyle choices, is significantly associated with a lower incidence of late-life depression and a composite brain health outcome. Additional validation of the BCS is warranted to assess the weighting of its components, its motivational aspects, and its acceptability and adaptability in routine clinical care worldwide