 This study examined the trajectory of cognitive function before and after stroke among Chinese adults. It found that both stroke patients and stroke-free individuals experienced a decline in cognitive function over time. However, stroke patients did not experience steeper declines in cognition prior to their stroke compared to stroke-free individuals. Additionally, stroke patients experienced an acute decline in episodic memory, visuospatial abilities, and global cognition after stroke onset. Furthermore, the rate of decline in calculation, attention, and orientation abilities was faster in the years following stroke. This article was authored by Jianyian Hua, Jianye Dong, Guo Chong Chen, and others.