Cholinesterase inhibitors improves treatment outcomes of stroke survivors with mental problems

This study investigated the effectiveness of cholinesterase inhibitors (CEI) in the treatment of stroke survivors with cognitive (thinking and reasoning) problems. Researchers suggested that CEI improves the outcomes of these patients without increasing toxicity. 

Stroke is one of the main causes of death and disability in the US. It happens when a blood vessel that carries oxygen to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. The affected brain cells lose their abilities in controlling body functions. This causes disabilities such as cognitive impairment. It causes trouble remembering, learning or making decisions. This can also be a risk factor for dementia (memory disorders, personality changes, and impaired reasoning). Around 10% of stroke survivors experience dementia shortly after.  

CEIs such as donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne) are commonly used to treat dementia with different root causes. However, too little is known about the use of CEI in dementia caused by stroke.

This study reviewed 7 other studies. These studies included information about 4645 stroke survivors with mental complications. CEIs were used in these patients. 

The mental outcomes of these patients improved after CEI treatment throughout 24 weeks. Moreover, the outcomes for dementia also improved at 6, 12, 18 and 24 weeks after therapy with CEI. However, no improvements were seen after placebo treatment.

This study concluded that CEI improves mental complications and dementia in stroke survivors.

This study was based on medical records. Some information might have been incomplete. This might affect the results.