Predictive value of serum matrix metalloproteinase 9 combined with tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 for post-stroke cognitive impairment

•Serum levels of MMP 9 and TIMP 1 in PSCI patients were negatively correlated with MoCA scores at the end of the 3-month follow-up.•Serum MMP 9 and TIMP 1 levels in stroke patients were statistically predictive of PSCI.•MMP 9 and TIMP 1 were elevated in PSCI patients on admission relative to non-PSCI groups.