Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors to Improve Cognitive Function and Overall Rehabilitation After a Stroke
Cerebrovascular Accident
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Cerebrovascular Accident focused on measuring Cholinesterase Inhibitors, Elderly, Stroke, Cognition
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Admitted to a rehabilitation hospital with primary diagnosis of ischemic stroke (cardiovascular accident) Stroke was within 30 days of being admitted Medically stable Presence of memory and/or attentional impairments and evidence that these impairments were not present or were less severe prior to the stroke (assessed via interview with family) Approval by individual's attending physician at the rehabilitation hospital Exclusion Criteria: Aphasia or cognitive (or behavioral) impairments severe enough to prevent valid neuropsychiatric assessment Currently experiencing a major depressive episode (unless treated and in partial remission, assessed using the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders) Current psychosis or mania History of substance or alcohol abuse or dependence within three months of study entry Currently taking a cholinomimetic drug Medical condition with known sensitivity to donepezil (e.g., slower than normal heart rate, supraventricular cardiac conduction defects, severe asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease, active upper gastrointestinal bleed, or gastric/duodenal ulcer if not on acid-blocking agent) Informed that taking donepezil is medically inadvisable Current use of any anticholinergic medication (e.g., for bladder spasm)
Sites / Locations
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Experimental
Galantamine
Donepezil
Galantamine for 12 weeks
Donepezil for 12 weeks