Efficacy of Cognitive Intervention in Stroke: A Long Road Ahead
Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience
Paiva, S., Magalhaes, R., et al. (2015).
Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, 34(1), 139-152.
This systematic review investigates the efficacy of cognitive interventions in patients following stroke.
Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (Portugal); Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portugal)
Through April 2014
Randomized controlled trials
3
For patients with a confirmed stroke diagnosis, three randomized controlled trials with low risk of bias investigated the efficacy of cognitive interventions. These studies reported no significant effects to overall language performance (SMD = -0.24; 95% CI = -0.86 to -0.38), receptive language (SMD = -1.56; 95% CI = -8.3 to -5.18), or naming outcomes (SMD = -0.35; 95% CI = -1.07 to -0.37). Cognitive interventions were found to be feasible by demonstrating adequate rates for completion and adherence. The intervention timing varied considerably (from two days to 36 months post-stroke). The authors of this review cautiously suggest that cognitive rehabilitation is essential to overall rehabilitation, particularly when combined with pharmacological interventions. Additional research on the effects of cognitive interventions for individuals with a stroke diagnosis is warranted.
