Molecular Biomarkers of Cognitive Impairment and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms after Stroke in Older Adults: A Scoping Review

This OSF registration describes the protocol for a scoping review mapping evidence on molecular biomarkers associated with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in older adults (≥60 years) after ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke (including intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage). We will include original, peer-reviewed human studies reporting at least one molecular biomarker (e.g., proteins/peptides, metabolites, lipids, cytokines/chemokines, neurodegeneration and glial injury markers, microRNAs and other non-coding RNAs, extracellular vesicle cargo, and multi-omics signatures) measured in biological matrices (e.g., blood/plasma/serum, CSF), together with validated cognitive and/or neuropsychiatric outcomes and a quantitative biomarker–outcome association or group comparison. Searches will be conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and EBSCOhost from inception to 14 January 2026. Study selection will follow PRISMA-ScR and JBI guidance, with independent dual screening and consensus resolution. Data charting will capture biomarker class, matrix, assay platform, sampling timing, outcome measures/thresholds, and analytic approaches, enabling descriptive evidence mapping across acute, subacute, and chronic post-stroke phases and identification of methodological and translational gaps.