Journal of Cognitive Neuropsychology

Improving balance and falls prevention for patients with cognitive impairment after stroke or brain tumors

17^th World Congress on Vascular Dementia and Neurodegenerative Diseases
April 12, 2021 Webinar

Andrey Borisov, Vyazgina E.M, Polezhaeva A.Yu, Ivanova N.E

Rehabilitation Center “Sputnik in Komarovo”, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Polenov Neurosurgical Institute – branch of the Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Jour Cogn Neuropsy

Abstract

The problem of falls among elderly patients remains one of the most urgent in the rehabilitation of patients with CNS damage. Physical exercises and household adaptation classes have the level of evidence of 1A and are most effective in patients with ataxia and paresis. Biofeedback systems are used for physical treatment patients with cognitive impairment. Materials and methods. The group 1 (n=10) with mild hemiparesis after stroke. The group 2 (n=6) with mild hemiparesis after total removal of brain tumors. The average MoCA values in group 1 were 21 (18; 24 points), in group 2 - 23 points (18; 25 points). Described changes contributed to a decrease in the risk of falls in patients with ataxia in both groups; the dynamic in both group was significant (T1=2,5, T2=2,5, p<0,05) There was not any fall during this period. When comparing the results between the groups, the differences were statistically unreliable (T=7.5, p=0.05). This indicates a comparable effectiveness of rehabilitation for both groups. Changes in functional status were significant in both groups. Conclusion. Patients with neuro-oncological diseases require individual rehabilitation programs, including primarily physical exercises, classes in household adaptation (occupational therapy), individual psychotherapy for both patients and their relatives. The multidisciplinary approach developed in stroke rehabilitation also takes place in the rehabilitation of neuro-oncology patients and leads to improving the quality of life of the patients themselves and their relatives from the first weeks after the surgical treatment, and facilitate the subsequent stages of complex treatment.

Biography

Andrey V. Borisov is the head of the rehabilitation center and expert in the field of vascular neurology. Under his leadership, a team of specialists embodies an individual approach to rehabilitation after a stroke and brain injury. His research interests are neurodegenerative diseases and improving the quality of life of patients and their families.