Prevention of poststroke cognitive decline: ASPIS – a multicenter, randomized, observer‐blind, parallel group clinical trial to evaluate multiple lifestyle interventions – study design and baseline characteristics

BackgroundCognitive impairment after stroke is a considerable burden to patients and their caregivers and occurs in one-third of stroke survivors. No strategy to prevent cognitive decline after stroke exists thus far. Established vascular risk factors have been associated with cognitive decline and may be a target for therapeutic interventions in stroke survivors.AimTo test whether intensive multifactorial non-pharmacologic interventions based on lifestyle modification can reduce the risk of cognitive decline in patients who recently suffered ischemic stroke.MethodsA randomized, controlled, multicenter, observer-blind trial was designed. The reference group obtains stroke care according to standard guidelines. The intervention group additionally receives intensive control and motivation for better compliance with prescribed evidence-based medication, regular blood pressure measurements, healthy diet, regular physical activity and cognitive training. Primary outcomes are the rate of cognitive decline at 24...