Abstract WP186: Fewer Self-reported Memory Problems Are Associated With Better Blood Pressure Control Post-stroke

Introduction: Memory problems, a common cognitive issue, can have a negative influence on one’s ability to function and contributes to increased risk of secondary stroke. Objective: To examine the association between self-reported memory problems at 6 months and blood pressure control at 12 months post-stroke. Methods: This study utilized follow-up data from the Discharge Educational Strategies for Reduction of Vascular Events (DESERVE) stroke risk factor reduction trial (n=226). Sample size was restricted to those who answered memory questions and had a 12-month blood pressure (BP) reading. Exclusion criteria for DESERVE included any significant memory disorder prior to the baseline stroke. Seven memory domain questions (Table 1) from the Stroke Impact Scale were used separately to assess the association with systolic BP, with control defined as ≤120mmHg, at 12 months in logistic regression models adjusted for race, gender, education, age, and intervention status. Models were additionally adjusted for 6-month BP control as a mediator. Results: Participants were almost equally white (28%), Black (33%), or Hispanic (34%) and 52% were female with a mean age of 65 (SD=13). About 25% had BP control at 6 or 12 months. Memory measures were not significantly associated with BP control prior to adjusting for BP control at 6 months. After adjusting for 6-month BP control, participants with less difficulty remembering things that people just told them (OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.63) or remembering to do things (OR=1.76, 95% CI:1.09, 2.86) had better odds of having their BP controlled at 12 months. Memory items 2 and 4-7 did not show an association with better BP control. Discussion: Stroke survivors who were better at remembering what people told them and remembering to do things were more likely to achieve blood pressure control 1-year post-stroke. Evaluating early memory post-stroke may be an important target for secondary prevention strategies and should be further researched.