"In an earlier pilot study we found a possible link between aphasia and depression," notes study senior author Yutaka Tanaka, MD, PhD, of the Momose Clinic, Ikoma-Gun, Nara, and Sakakibara Onsen Hospital, Hisai, Mie. "We have demonstrated in this study a correlation between language function and improvement in mood, using selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors."
More commonly known by their brand names, Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and others, serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been used successfully to treat depression and other psychological and behavioral disorders. Researchers have now shown that among patients who are aphasic due to stroke to the left hemisphere of the brain, these drugs may also improve their performance on language tests, mood scales and tests of perseveration.
In this double-blind crossover study researchers used fluvoxamine maleate (a SSRI) and nilvadipine (a calcium channel blocker). Ten patients were treated for four weeks with one drug, given four weeks to clear their symptoms, then treated for four weeks with the other drug. They were tested with language and non-language cognitive tests four times (pre- and post-medication).
"With SSRI therapy, significant improvement was found in patients with non-severe fluent aphasia," concludes Tanaka. "No significant improvement was found on any test using the calcium channel blocker."
This study is in collaboration with M.L. Albert, MD, PhD, in Boston, and is supported by the National Institutes of Health and VA Medical Research Service.
The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 18,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, autism and multiple sclerosis.
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Editor's Notes: Dr. Tanaka will present this research during a poster session at the 56th Annual Meeting at 3:00 p.m. PT (6:00 p.m. ET) on Tuesday, April 27 in Gateway Ballroom 103-104 of the Moscone Convention Center. Dr. Tanaka will be available for media questions during a briefing at 9:00 a.m. PT (12:00 p.m. ET), Tuesday, April 27, in the on-site Press Interview Room, Room 214.