On the importance of cognitive profiling: A graphical modelling analysis of domain-specific and domain-general deficits after stroke.

Abstract Cognitive problems following stroke are typically analysed using either short but relatively uninformative general tests or through detailed but time consuming tests of domain specific deficits (e.g., in language, memory, praxis). Here we present an analysis of neuropsychological deficits detected using a screen designed to fall between other screens by being ‘broad’ (testing multiple cognitive abilities) but ‘shallow’ (sampling the abilities briefly, to be time efficient) – the BCoS. Assessment using the Birmingham Cognitive Screen (BCoS) enables the relations between ‘domain specific’ and ‘domain general’ cognitive deficits to be evaluated as the test generates an overall cognitive profile for individual patients. We analysed data from 287 patients tested at a sub-acute stage of stroke (