Several studies have undertaken to investigate the efficacy of different multicomponent interventions on cognition after stroke, with varying results as outlined on the slide.1-3 Moreover, despite recent advances in the understanding of small vessel disease – a major cause of vascular cognitive impairment – there are few proven treatments to help improve cognition in these patients.4
References:
1. Ihle-Hansen H, Thommessen B, Fagerland MW, et al. Multifactorial vascular risk factor intervention to prevent cognitive impairment after stroke and TIA: a 12-month randomized controlled trial. Int J Stroke 2014; 9 (7): 932–938.
2. Matz K, Teuschl Y, Firlinger B, et al.; ASPIS Study Group. Multidomain lifestyle interventions for the prevention of cognitive decline after ischemic stroke: randomized trial. Stroke 2015; 46 (10): 2874–2880.
3. Bath PM, Scutt P, Blackburn DJ, et al.; PODCAST Trial Investigators. Intensive versus guideline blood pressure and lipid lowering in patients with previous stroke: main results from the pilot ‘prevention of decline in cognition after stroke trial’ (PODCAST) randomised controlled trial. PLoS One 2017; 12 (1): e0164608.
4. Markus HS, de Leeuw FE. Cerebral small vessel disease: recent advances and future directions. Int J Stroke 2023; 18 (1): 4–14.