IMPACTS OF STROKES ON PATIENTS SELECTIVE ATTENTION AND SHORT-TERM MEMORY (COTE DIVOIRE)

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and chronic disability worldwide. An estimated 15 million people suffer a stroke each year. Africa, including Cote dIvoire, is not spared. It is no longer rare to see younger and younger people (around 40 years old) suffering from strokes. The objective of this study is to highlight the impacts that strokes can have on certain cognitive functions. Specifically, it sought to assess the consequences of this impairment on selective attention and short-term memory (immediate memory and working memory). To do this, the method consisted of assessing the attentional and memory performance of post-stroke patients (n=95) through neuropsychological tests. These tests included the Stroop test for selective attention and the digit span test from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, 3rd edition (WAIS III) for immediate memory and working memory. The study found that stroke significantly affects the cognitive abilities of many (more than 50%) of those who suffer from it, particularly selective attention, immediate memory, and especially working memory. Unfortunately, stroke victims are often misunderstood and rejected by those around them because of changes in their attitude and personality, which some are inevitably unaware of as they no longer have full mental faculties. Keywords: stroke, cognitive impairment, selective attention, short-term memory.