The Modified Suanzaoren decoction effectively improves cognitive function in stroke patients with insomnia possibly by regulating hormones in brain-body communication pathways.
In the methodology of this research study, a total of 80 participants, all of whom suffered from cognitive impairment and insomnia following stroke, were randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group was treated with the Modified Suanzaoren decoction while the control group received zolpidem. Over a period of four weeks, the cognitive function, sleep quality, depression, and anxiety disorders of each group were examined, while also evaluating stroke severity and functional independence. Hormone levels in the brain-body communication pathways were also monitored.
In regard to the results, the study found that the Modified Suanzaoren decoction had a more positive impact on cognitive improvement than the control group, while the two groups had a similar effect on mitigating insomnia. No significant differences were observed between the groups in daily living activities and stroke severity improvement. Further, the treatment group demonstrated superior improvement in depressive states and showed more significant reductions in cortisol levels. Improved levels of a hormone produced by the thyroid gland were also more significant in the treatment group than the control group. Despite some participants dropping out, these distinctions remained noteworthy.
