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Beneficial effect of donepezil on sensorimotor function after stroke
Marcelo L Berthier1, Jesús Pujol, Alexandre Gironell
1Department of Medicine, University of Malaga School of Medicine, Spain.
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
|September 10, 2003
Summary
Donepezil hydrochloride (HCl) may improve sensorimotor function in chronic stroke survivors. This case study showed significant recovery in a patient with hemiplegic deficits after taking donepezil HCl.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sensorimotor deficits are common after stroke, impacting mobility.
- Current treatments include pharmacotherapy and physiotherapy, often in combination.
- Chronic deficits present a significant challenge for rehabilitation.
Observation:
- A case study investigated donepezil hydrochloride (HCl) for chronic post-stroke sensorimotor deficits.
- The patient had a dense left-sided sensorimotor deficit and received no physiotherapy.
- Donepezil HCl was administered, starting at 5 mg daily and increasing to 10 mg daily.
Findings:
- Significant improvement in left hemiplegic lower limb and shoulder sensorimotor function was observed.
- Improvement occurred within one month of initiating the 10 mg/day dosage of donepezil HCl.
- The Fugl-Meyer scale and Rivermead Mobility Index documented the functional gains.
Implications:
- Donepezil hydrochloride (HCl) shows potential as an effective treatment for chronic post-stroke sensorimotor impairments.
- This case suggests a possible role for cholinesterase inhibitors in stroke recovery.
- Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate these preliminary findings and establish efficacy.