Abstract: Objective To investigate the relationship between carotid atherosclerosis （CAS） and cognitive impairment, stroke-specific quality of life of patients with cerebral infarction. Methods Patients enrolled were divided into mild-to-moderate CAS group and severe CAS group after carotid ultrasound. They were assessed with Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) Version 3.0. Results The scores of attention/calculation, comprehension, and total of MMSE, the mobile ability and hand function dimensions of SIS were all lower in severe CAS group than in mild-to-moderate CAS group （P<0.05）. Conclusion Carotid atherosclerosis may further impair the cognitive function and quality of life of cerebral infarction patients.

Key words: carotid atherosclerosis （CAS）, cerebral infarction, cognitive impairment, quality of life