Keywords
neurology
brain-derived neurotrophic factor
transcranial magnetic stimulation
virtual reality
How to Cite
Abstract
In press
Background. Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and is characterised by a sudden loss of blood supply to the brain and subsequent neuronal death. After the acute phase, patients often experience long-term impairment of cognitive functions, including attention, processing speed, memory, and executive functions. The restoration of these cognitive abilities has not only medical but also social and economic significance, as it determines patients' quality of life and their ability to return to daily activities and work.
Aim. To analyse and systematise modern literature data on the mechanisms of neuroplasticity, biomarkers, and the effectiveness of various therapeutic strategies in restoring cognitive functions following ischemic stroke.
Materials and Methods. The study was conducted as a narrative literature review using methods of theoretical generalisation, analysis, and synthesis of results. The literature search was conducted from 2020 through 2025 in the scientometric databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar. The study was conducted as a private initiative; it did not receive any grant funding and was not officially registered.
Research Ethics. Only studies whose authors adhered to ethical research standards were included.
Results. The analysis demonstrated that cognitive impairment affects 30–70% of stroke survivors within the first year, while the prevalence of post-stroke dementia at 1 year was estimated at 18.4% when prestroke dementia was excluded. Given the limited effectiveness of traditional correction methods, modern studies justify the need for a multidisciplinary, personalised approach to the restoration of brain functions. This review summarises data regarding the mechanisms of neuroplasticity, the role of biomarkers and the effectiveness of various rehabilitation strategies for improving cognitive functions after a stroke and presents a synthesis of scientific data.
Conclusions. Neuroplasticity is a key mechanism for cognitive recovery after ischemic stroke. Understanding its dynamics can inform more accurate prognostication and optimisation of rehabilitation interventions. Available evidence supports several rehabilitation strategies, while biomarkers remain promising tools for prognosis and monitoring that require further clinical validation.
Keywords: therapy, neurology, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, transcranial magnetic stimulation, virtual reality.
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