Сomplex rehabilitation treatment of patients with stage III discirculatory encephalopathy

BACKGROUND: The main task in the treatment of stage III dyscirculatory encephalopathy is to prevent the rapid progression of cognitive impairment and improve the quality of life of patients. It is assumed that the integrated use of non-drug and drug treatment methods makes it possible to correct impaired neuropsychological functions in this category of patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the integrated use of cognitive training and low-frequency pulsed magnetic therapy to optimize the rehabilitation treatment of patients with stage III dyscirculatory encephalopathy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: An open prospective comparative study was conducted in which 185 patients aged 60–85 years with a diagnosis of stage III discirculatory encephalopathy took part. Group 1 (n=60) included patients who received drug therapy and cognitive training, group 2 (n=64) — drug therapy, cognitive training and low-frequency pulsed magnetic therapy; group 3 (n=61) — only medications. The course of treatment was 3 months. The effectiveness of rehabilitation treatment was assessed by changes in neurological status, short-term and long-term memory tests (10-word test), attention (correction test), functional independence in everyday life, and rehabilitation potential. Long-term results were assessed 3 months after completion of the course of treatment.

RESULTS: After the course of treatment, patients in group 1 demonstrated an increase in short-term and long-term memory by 83% (p <0.05) and 65.8% (p <0.05), a decrease in the number of errors in the proofreading test by 11% (p <0.05), neurological disorders by 13% (p <0.05), and an increase in RP to a high level in 35% of patients. The effects were leveled out three months after the course of treatment. In group 2, short-term and long-term memory increased by 82% (p <0.05) and 66% (p <0.05), attention by 36% (p <0.05), neurological disorders decreased by 19% (p <0.05), functional independence of patients according to the IADL scale increased by 27% (p <0.05) and RP to a high level in 70.3% of patients. The therapeutic effects persisted for three months after the course of treatment. The most effective was the complex with cognitive training and low-frequency pulsed magnetic therapy (2nd group).