1. Understanding Stroke Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Stroke Quiz
3. Slideshow: Atrial Fibrillation Causes, Tests, and Treatment

Cognitive symptoms may appear abruptly, over weeks or months in a stepwise manner, or even gradually over years. The appearance of symptoms varies by the type of stroke and the part of the brain affected. Cognitive decline usually occurs within 3 months of a recognized stroke and may indicate vascular dementia.

The following are common symptoms of vascular dementia:

• Memory loss, especially problems remembering recent events
  
  
• Inattention, poor concentration, difficulty following instructions
  
  
• Difficulty planning and organizing tasks
  
  
• Confusion
  
  
• Wandering, getting lost in familiar surroundings
  
  
• Poor judgment
  
  
• Difficulties with calculations, reasoning, or problem solving
  
  
• Psychosis - Agitation, aggression, hallucinations, delusions, loss of contact with reality, inability to relate appropriately to surroundings and other people
  
  
• Mood and behavior changes
  
  
• Depression
  
  
• Laughing or crying inappropriately