Effect of nimodipine on memory after cerebral infarction.

OBJECTIVES

Epidemiological studies indicate widespread memory impairment in patients with stroke in the early post-ictal stage. Nimodipine may have psychopharmacological properties and may improve memory. We conducted a single-blind randomized controlled trial to determine whether nimodipine given 7-14 days after cerebral infarction improved memory.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred patients with acute cerebral infarction were consecutively enrolled between D7 to D14. After stratification, patients were randomized to receive oral nimodipine 90 mg daily for 12 weeks, or no drug. Independent assessors administered Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Fuld Object-Memory Evaluation (FOME) at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Patients receiving nimodipine showed greater improvement in FOME mean scores at 12 weeks (P=0.0334), and also in FOME score change across time (P=0.0283). Patients with severe disability who received nimodipine also showed greater MMSE score change across time (P=0.0495).

CONCLUSION

Nimodipine given 7-14 days after cerebral infarction for 3 months results in memory improvement.