Effect of calorie-protein supplementation on the cognitive recovery of patients with subacute stroke

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to investigate whether protein-calorie supplementation may enhance the cognitive retrieval of patients with stroke. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot clinical trial was performed comparing diet and diet plus protein-calorie supplementation regimens. The subjects were 48 patients with subacute stroke (>or14 days from index event). Anthropometric and nutritional (3-day diary) variables, cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination; MMSE) were determined before and 21 days after randomization in control and daily supplemented group (formula providing 250 kcal + 20 g protein). RESULTS: At day 21 after starting the protocol, only the supplemented group significantly improved their performance to MMSE (log(10)MMSE +0.6+/-0.4 score; P=0.01 from baseline). CONCLUSIONS: Protein-calorie supplementation may enhance the recovery of cognitive function in subacute stroke patients.