An open-label pilot study of the use of rivastigmine to promote functional recovery in patients with unilateral spatial neglect due to first ischemic stroke
Paolucci, S.; Bureca, I.; Multari, M.; Nocentini, U.; Matano, A.
Functional Neurology 25(4): 195-200
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 0393-5264 PMID: 21388579 Document Number: 638992
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rivastigmine as add-on treatment to specific cognitive rehabilitation for unilateral spatial neglect (USN). Twenty patients were randomly assigned either to rehabilitation treatment only (No-RIV) or to rivastigmine (3 mg twice a day, for 8 weeks) add-on treatment (RIV+,). USN and functional status were evaluated by means of specific and validated instruments at baseline, at discharge and at one-month follow up. Compared with the untreated patients, the RIV+ subjects, at discharge, recorded significantly better discharge scores and higher effectiveness on two of the scales. However, subsequent further improvement of the No-RIV patients meant that at follow up there was no significant difference between the two groups. No other statistically significant difference was found. Rivastigmine as add-on treatment to specific cognitive training for USN may improve and accelerate recovery on some specific impairment tests as compared with cognitive training alone.