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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2014 Oct-Dec;29(4):255-62.

Assessing and restoring cognitive functions early after stroke

Chiara Zucchella, Annarita Capone, Valentina Codella, Carmine Vecchione, Giovanni Buccino, Giorgio Sandrini, Francesco Pierelli, Michelangelo Bartolo
Randomized Controlled Trial

Assessing and restoring cognitive functions early after stroke

Chiara Zucchella et al. Funct Neurol. 2014 Oct-Dec.

Abstract

Cognitive impairment is a frequent complication of stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive training performed early after stroke. Ninety-two patients were randomly assigned to either the study group (SG) or the control group (CG). Cognitive rehabilitation consisted of 16 individual one-hour sessions in which patients performed therapist- guided computer exercises. The patients in the CG performed a sham intervention. After four weeks all the patients were re-evaluated. In the SG, significant improvements (p<0.05) were detected in all neuropsychological measures at the post-training evaluation, while the CG showed mild (not statistically significant) improvements on cognitive tests. Between-group analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the domains of memory and visual attention. Cognitive training performed early after stroke seems to be a viable option for improving cognitive outcome in stroke survivors. Further studies should assess whether this may favor their reintegration into everyday life.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CONSORT flow chart of patient participation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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