The Efficacy of Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Approaches in Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in treating Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment (PSCI), which is characterized by deficits in memory, attention, language, and executive functioning.

Method: The author examined randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies published over the past 10 years. The studies reviewed focused on pharmacological treatments such as cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine) and NMDA receptor antagonists (memantine), as well as non-pharmacological interventions including cognitive rehabilitation, physical exercise, and non-invasive brain stimulation like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).This systematic review selected articles through a comprehensive literature search on platforms like Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Research Gate. The search focused on peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, RCTs, and meta-analyses addressing post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and its management through pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Results: Pharmacological interventions showed significant improvement in cognitive functions and daily living skills, with additional potential anti-inflammatory effects. Non-pharmacological interventions such as cognitive rehabilitation, physical activity, and acupuncture also positively influenced cognitive performance and daily functioning. The combination of both treatment modalities provided the most promising results for cognitive recovery.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that a combined pharmacological and non-pharmacological approach yields optimal outcomes in improving cognitive recovery, overall health, and quality of life in stroke survivors. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes and developing personalized treatment plans to enhance effectiveness.