News

Recent research highlights significant progress in treating post-stroke vascular dementia (PSVD), moving beyond symptomatic management toward novel, targeted interventions. A multimodal approach is emerging as the most promising strategy, combining pharmacotherapy, brain stimulation, and comprehensive lifestyle interventions to address the complex pathology of PSVD.

Key research advances:

• Repurposing cardiovascular drugs: Phase 2 trials have shown that the combination of isosorbide mononitrate and cilostasol, used for other cardiovascular issues, significantly improves cognitive outcomes and reduces dependency in patients following a lacunar stroke.
• Targeting vascular mechanisms: Early-stage research is exploring drugs that specifically target endothelial dysfunction, the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, and impaired waste clearance via the glymphatic system. Agents like the soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulator CY6463 and the existing blood pressure medication amlodipine are under investigation for their potential to restore cerebral blood flow and prevent cognitive decline.
• Non-invasive brain stimulation: Systematic reviews indicate that non-invasive techniques like transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) show significant and consistent benefits for cognitive function in stroke survivors. Early intervention within three months post-stroke is associated with the most reliable outcomes.
• Lifestyle modifications: Evidence-based lifestyle changes are crucial for managing PSVD. Research supports the benefits of aerobic and strength training, adherence to diets like the MIND diet, and control of comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia to slow cognitive decline.
• Emerging therapies: Investigational areas include stem-cell therapy and the modulation of the gut microbiome, though more research is needed to establish their safety and efficacy.

An effective strategy for PSVD requires a personalised, multidisciplinary approach that integrates the following components:

1. Early and aggressive risk factor management: Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes is essential to prevent further vascular damage.
2. Targeted rehabilitation: Incorporating cognitive training alongside promising neuro-modulation techniques like tDCS.
3. Comprehensive support: Addressing mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, with psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is critical for overall well-being.

While there is no cure for PSVD, advances in research are providing new hope. The field is moving toward interventions that actively repair vascular and neural damage rather than simply managing symptoms. Further research is necessary, particularly with larger clinical trials, to confirm the efficacy and long-term benefits of these novel therapies.

The field of stroke aphasia is witnessing a new wave of developments, pushing beyond traditional speech and language therapy (SLT) toward technologically enhanced and personalised care. Recent news and academic publications from 2025 highlight significant advancements in digital health, novel surgical techniques, and interdisciplinary care models aimed at improving long-term outcomes and quality of life for stroke survivors.

For example, new research, including a randomised controlled trial published in March 2025, shows that generative AI chatbots can effectively support the emotional well-being of neuro-rehabilitation patients. For stroke survivors, these AI companions can monitor subtle changes in mood and communication patterns between therapy sessions, helping to detect early signs of depression and anxiety.

Technology-supported aphasia therapies delivered via computers, tablets, or virtual reality (VR) continue to offer new avenues for intensive, long-term care. The Big CACTUS trial confirmed the superiority of self-managed, computerized SLT over usual care for chronic aphasia. Similarly, the online virtual environment “EVA PARK“ uses a fantasy island context to provide engaging, real-life communication scenarios. In acute stroke care, AI software is being used to interpret brain scans more rapidly. Early analysis from NHS England suggests this can reduce the time to treatment by over an hour, potentially tripling a patient’s chances of a full recovery.

A clinical trial published in The BMJ in June 2025 has demonstrated the effectiveness of combining a type of neck surgery (C7 neurotomy) with intensive SLT for patients with chronic post-stroke aphasia and arm spasticity. Patients receiving both treatments showed greater improvement in communication abilities than those who received SLT alone.

The European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines, published in May 2025, reinforce the importance of intensive and frequent SLT. It recommends at least 20 hours of therapy, four or more days per week, and notes that digital or group therapy can augment traditional one-on-one sessions.

Further research reinforces the critical need for better long-term support for stroke survivors, particularly for non-motor complications like fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression. These issues are often under-recognised and under-treated but can significantly impact recovery and quality of life. These recent developments demonstrate a shift toward more integrated, personalised, and technology-assisted approaches in stroke aphasia care.

• Assistive mode: For patients with very little to no movement, the exoskeleton fully supports the limb and helps the patient perform the desired motion.
• Assist-as-needed (AAN) mode: As the patient recovers some motor function, the device detects their initial movement intention and provides support only when needed to complete the task.
• Corrective mode: This mode provides force to gently guide the limb back toward the correct trajectory if the patient’s movement deviates from the desired path.
• Resistive mode: For patients with significant motor recovery, the exoskeleton can provide resistance to help them regain strength and better control their movements.

A new glove-based system that uses functional electrical stimulation (FES) to activate individual fingers could offer a more effective way to support hand rehabilitation in people recovering from stroke or spinal cord injuries.

The FESGlove delivers targeted electrical stimulation to specific hand muscles and nerves, offering greater selectivity than many current systems, which often cause unintended finger movements by stimulating larger forearm muscles. The device features 10 independent stimulation channels and combines silver fiber and hydrogel electrodes within a stretchable glove. Users can adjust settings like frequency, current amplitude, and pulse width to suit different needs.

The FESGlove isn’t just for a clinical setting—they can be used at home, allowing for longer, more frequent, and more convenient rehabilitation sessions. The benefits include:

• Improved dexterity: With targeted stimulation, users can practice fine motor skills needed for tasks such as grasping small objects.
• Increased muscle strength: Repetitive, functional movements performed with the glove help rebuild strength in weakened hand muscles.
• Reduced spasticity: The technology has been shown to reduce muscle tone and spasticity, especially in the wrist, which can interfere with movement.
• Enhanced independence and quality of life: By enabling users to perform daily activities with greater ease, FESGlove could restore confidence and significantly improve quality of life.
• Motivation for therapy: For many users, being able to perform tasks they haven’t been able to do for years provides powerful motivation to continue with their therapy.

Developed by researchers at the University of Bath and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (and published in the journal Neuroelectronics in June 2025) , the glove was designed to overcome limitations in traditional rehabilitation techniques that often fail to restore the fine motor control needed for tasks like buttoning a shirt or typing. The research team sees the FESGlove as a potential platform that could eventually be integrated with brain-computer interfaces and other advanced neurorehabilitation tools.

A quick warning: FES treatment is not for everyone. They are most effective when the nerve pathways between the spinal cord and the hand muscles are still intact. Contraindications include having a pacemaker, defibrillator, or uncontrolled epilepsy. As with any medical device, consultation with a healthcare professional is necessary to determine suitability.

Recent news in stroke rehabilitation highlights advancements like using retro video games for cognitive and motor recovery, new wearable robotic devices to assist with arm and leg movement, and high-intensity walking programs showing promise for improving mobility and quality of life in early stroke patients.

Additionally, new non-invasive techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation are being investigated for their potential to enhance motor and language skills.

Retro Video Games: researchers in Sydney are using retro video games like “Foot Tetris” and “Space Invaders” to make rehabilitation fun and effective, helping patients with balance, cognitive reaction times, and complex stepping manoeuvres.

Wearable Robots & Devices: startups and universities are developing wearable robots and connected systems for ankle, foot, and upper limb rehabilitation. These devices, some with embedded electrodes, help retrain the brain and muscle connection by detecting muscle activation and stimulating nerves.

Neurostimulation: clinics and universities are researching non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), to improve motor and language recovery after a stroke.

Your blood type plays a role in more than just transfusions. Recent research suggests it may also influence your risk of developing certain health conditions, including stroke. While it’s not the only factor that matters, understanding the connection between blood type and stroke risk can give you a clearer picture of your overall health.

People with blood type A may face a slightly higher risk of early-onset ischemic stroke. A study published in 2022 in the journal Neurology analyzed genetic data from over 16,000 stroke patients and nearly 600,000 controls. The researchers found that individuals with type A blood were 16% more likely to experience a stroke before the age of 60 compared to those with other types. One reason may involve clotting. People with type A blood tend to have higher levels of a protein called von Willebrand factor, which helps blood clot. While this is important for healing, it can also increase the risk of clot formation in blood vessels, potentially leading to a stroke.

Though type AB is the rarest blood type, some research suggests it may carry one of the highest stroke risks. A 2014 study from the University of Vermont found that individuals with type AB blood had an 83% higher risk of stroke. Furthermore, a protein known as Factor VIII, which plays a role in blood clotting, was determined to account for 60% of the association between type AB blood and stroke risk. The combination of A and B antigens as well as higher clotting factor levels may influence inflammation, vascular function, and the likelihood of blood clots, leading to a heightened stroke risk.

The evidence for blood type B and stroke is less consistent. According to a 2023 meta-analysis that examined 145,000 stroke cases and 2,000,000 controls, there is no significant association between blood type B and ischemic stroke. Other smaller studies have found mixed results, with only weak associations between blood type B and stroke risk..

If you have blood type O, the research is a bit more reassuring. Multiple studies have found that people with type O blood generally have a lower risk of developing blood clots and by extension, a lower risk of ischemic stroke. According to the 2022 study mentioned above, those with type O blood were 12% less likely to experience an early-onset stroke compared to those with other blood types. People with type O blood typically have lower levels of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII, both of which play a role in clotting. While this can lead to slower clotting in injuries, it also seems to provide some protection against unwanted clots in the arteries.

One of the more interesting findings from recent research is that the connection between blood type and stroke risk may be stronger in younger adults. The 2022 Neurology study found that the difference in stroke risk based on blood type was more pronounced in people under 60. This may be because in older adults, other factors, like high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes, play a more dominant role in stroke risk. In younger individuals, genetic and biological differences such as blood type may stand out more clearly.