Remote Ischemic Post-Conditioning may Improve Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Single Center Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiovascular Research
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Post-stroke cognitive impairment affects a significant number of stroke survivors.
• Current treatment options for post-stroke cognitive impairment are limited.
• Remote ischemic post-conditioning (RIPC) is an emerging intervention with potential neuroprotective effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the tolerability and feasibility of RIPC in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment.
• To evaluate the effect of RIPC on cognitive functioning in this patient population.
• To measure changes in neurological function following RIPC.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, randomized, outcome-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.
• 48 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either RIPC or a sham procedure for 7 days.
• Neurological function (NIHSS) and cognitive function (MoCA, ADAS-Cog) were assessed at baseline, 90, and 180 days.

Main Results:

• RIPC was well tolerated, with 90 out of 96 planned cycles completed.
• No statistically significant differences in neurological function (NIHSS) were observed between groups.
• Significant improvements in cognitive function (MoCA and ADAS-Cog) were noted in the RIPC group compared to baseline at 90 and 180 days.

Conclusions:

• RIPC is a well-tolerated, safe, and feasible intervention for post-stroke cognitive impairment.
• RIPC shows potential for improving cognitive and neurological outcomes in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment.
• Larger clinical trials are warranted to confirm these findings.