Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Neuromuscular and Neurosurgery

Background: One third of stroke patients complained of cognitive deficits which impede recovery. The aim of this study was to investigate if the cognitive impairment affects balance in stroke patients. Methods: Thirty stroke patients were selected for this study; the patients were selected in one group. Their ages ranged from 40 to 60 years and the duration of illness ranged from 6 to 18 months. Cognitive functions were evaluated using RehaCom system that assess attention and memory while Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) assess cognition, while balance was evaluated by using Biodex balance system and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for each patient. The results of study revealed that patients who had highly cognitive impairment suffered from balance disabilities which vary in degree according to the severity of cognitive impairment, beside, cognitive impairment associated with right hemispheric vascular accident are more devastating than that associated with left hemispheric accident. Consequently, patients with right CVA suffered more functional decline. Conclusion: cognitive impairment in stroke patients affects the balance

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