Sarcopenia in Acute Ischemic Stroke

The objective of this observational study is to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients aged 50 years and older with acute ischemic stroke, to characterize its trajectory during the acute phase using instrumental verification and functional-cognitive assessments, and to evaluate its impact on functional outcome at three months. The main research question is: Is the presence of sarcopenia at admission associated with less favorable stroke outcomes, including higher rates of complications and mortality? Participants receiving standard medical care for acute ischemic stroke will undergo extended functional assessment for sarcopenia, and a subset will additionally undergo cognitive evaluation.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 50 years and older * Acute ischemic stroke confirmed by CT or MRI * Admission within the first 72 hours * Written informed consent and availability of a contact telephone number for follow-up Exclusion Criteria: * TIA without a visible lesion on neuroimaging; bilateral hemiparesis * Amputations or severe contractures that preclude anthropometric assessment * Active cancer at stage IV or life expectancy of less than 3 months * Neuromuscular diseases; chronic use of systemic glucocorticoids for more than 3 months * Pregnancy; refusal to participate Discontinuation criteria (drop-out) * Discharge or death within the first 7 days * Withdrawal of consent * Transfer to another facility resulting in loss of contact