Current Approaches to Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients
Improvement of rehabilitation efficacy of stroke patients remains one of the main strategic goals for Russian healthcare system. Cognitive impairment due to stroke has a negative impact on rehabilitation process. Early detection and correction of cognitive decline allow to improve functional outcome of rehabilitation. To date, the majority of so called ‘neuroprotective’ medications lack solid evidence base. Effective rehabilitation strategies involving use of modern medications are actively investigated. The article reviews current publications on advantages of the use of memantine into management of patients with ischemic stroke. Clinical experience of two medical institutions demonstrates improvement of cognitive functions and increase in motivation of patients receiving memantine. This gives rise to a potential use of memantine to improve outcomes of the long-term rehabilitation in patients with cognitive impairment at early stages after stroke.