Post-stroke cognitive impairment:a review of pathogenesis,rehabilitation assessment,and traditional Chinese medicine therapies
XIANG Yi
ZHANG Wenshu
LIN Qianzhao
Abstract：Post-stroke cognitive impairment(PSCI)is one of the common complications after stroke,which not only affects the rehabilitation outcomes of patients but also significantly reduces their quality of life.Currently,the pathogenesis of PSCI has not been fully elucidated and is widely considered to result from the combined effects of multiple pathological mechanisms,including oxidative stress,neuroinflammation,and impairment of the central cholinergic system.The rehabilitation assessment of PSCI has developed into a comprehensive evaluation system centered on standardized neuropsychological scales and integrated with objective indicators from functional neuroimaging,aiming to achieve early and accurate identification of cognitive impairment.In terms of treatment,modern medicine has certain limitations in efficacy,while traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)demonstrates considerable potential due to its holistic regulatory advantages.According to TCM theory,the fundamental pathogenesis of PSCI lies in kidney essence deficiency and the intermingled phlegm and blood stasis,with treatment principles focusing on replenishing kidney essence,resolving phlegm,activating blood circulation,and restoring mental clarity.A systematic review of the advances in the pathogenesis,rehabilitation assessment,and TCM treatment of PSCI may provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Keywords：cognitive disordersstrokepathogenesisoxidative stressneuroinflammatory diseasesneuropsychological testsdrugsChinese herbalacupuncture therapy
Publication Date：2026-02-28
Online Publishing Date：2026-08-26(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：9( 284-292 )