SECONDARY PREVENTION OF ISCHEMIC STROKE AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Prevention of ischemic stroke (IS) and cognitive impairment (CI) in patients after IS or transient ischemic attack is discussed. The efficacy of non-pharmacological methods for the prevention of IS and CI (cessation of smoking and alcohol abuse, balanced diet, losing excess weight, regular physical activity) along with administration of medicines (antithrombotic agents, antihypertensives, statins) is highlighted. The results of a 5.5-year follow-up of 350 patients after stroke are described which demonstrate that non-pharmacological methods and regular drug therapy reduce the risk of recurrent stroke, though they are not effective in preventing the growing CI. The article tells about the widespread use of Divaza in this country in patients with cerebrovascular disease and the results of a multicenter study are demonstrated; a placebo-controlled Divaza study for secondary prevention of IS and CD is planned