Effect of computer-assisted cognitive training on cognitive function and functional independence of stroke patients / 实用医学杂志

Objective To investigate the computer-assisted cognitive training (CACT) on cognitive function and functional independence of stroke patients. Methods Sixty patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: the CACT group and the control group. All patients received routine training. Patients in the CACT group received computer-assisted cognitive training additionally. Before and after the CACT, the cognitive function and functional independence of patients were assessed by MMSE, MoCA and FIM assays. Results Before the CACT, no significant differences in the scores of MMSE, MoCA and FIM were found between the two groups (P > 0.05). After the CACT, scores of MMSE, MoCA and FIM were improved in both groups, especially in the CACT group, with statistical differences (P < 0.05). Conclusions CACT can help improve the cognitive function and functional independence in stroke patients.

Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging of the hippocampus after ischemic stroke / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To observe the functional connectivity (FC) pattern linking the hippocampus with the rest of the brain in ischemic stroke patients with cognitive dysfunction,especially the default mode network (DMN).Methods Resting-state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed on 15 ischemic stroke patients with cognitive dysfunction (the patient group) and 10 normal elderly controls.The bilateral hippocampus was the region of interest.Correlation analyses yielded a mapping of cerebral functional connectivity activation for both groups.Results Compared with the healthy controls,the patient group showed weakened functional connectivity between the hippocampus and other regions including the cingulate gyrus,the superior,middle and inferior frontal lobes,the inferior parietal lobule and the superior temporal gyrus.But there was enhanced functional connectivity with the cerebellar posterior lobe,the occipital lobe,the medial temporal lobe,the precuneus and the calcarine.The results were significantly different between the two groups.Conclusion The functional connectivity pattern of the hippocampus is impaired in stroke patients with cognitive dysfunction.Reduced functional connectivity between brain regions may be one cause of cognitive dysfunction after stroke,and enhanced functional connectivity may be an appropriate compensatory mechanism.