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AIMS To explore temporal patterns of change in cognitive impairments during the 2 years following stroke and to identify factors that affect these temporal changes. BACKGROUND Despite the prognostic importance, temporal changes in post-stroke cognitive impairment have not been systematically investigated. DESIGN A non-experimental, prospective, longitudinal descriptive study design. METHODS Fifty-two stroke patients were enrolled. Data were collected from April 2015 to September 2017. Cognitive function was evaluated at 5 different times (immediately, and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-stroke). RESULTS Significant changes in cognitive function following stroke exhibited an "s-shaped" curve, and the most rapid changes were observed between 3 and 6 months after stroke. The incidence of post-stroke cognitive impairment ranged from 23.1% to 42.3% and was highest at 3 months and lowest at 6 months. Gender, educational level, pre-stroke cognitive and functional abilities, haematoma, and brain surgery were associated with incidence of post-stroke cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS The ongoing changes exhibited by patterns of cognitive impairment provide evidence that consistent efforts are required to achieve positive changes in post-stroke cognitive function. Our findings may be helpful to develop nursing care strategies aimed at improving cognitive ability and consequently the quality of life of stroke patients.