Date of Award
Spring 2022
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Sophie M. Farley, MMA, PA-C
Abstract
Neuroplasticity has been a rapidly expanding area of research, and its findings have elucidated the potential of taking advantage of some of its components for the treatment of various neural pathologies. Stroke is the most common cause of long-term disability, and it is a disease process that affects many people. There are many rehabilitation programs that seek to restore a patient’s motor and cognitive functions after stroke; if not fully, then at least partially. Unfortunately, mental health changes contribute in large part to the overall disability of a patient, but these changes are not always targeted in these programs. In particular, post-stroke depression has been found to be quite common, and likely has a significant role in the patient’s rehabilitation journey. This CME article seeks to serve a primary provider in a basic review of the current research into neuroplasticity components such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and how its modulation, through lifestyle changes and pharmacologic agents, can have significant benefit in helping the stroke survivor who suffers with post-stroke depression.
Recommended Citation
Gordynskiy-Ageyev, Christine, "The Benefit of BDNF Modification in the Treatment of Post-Stroke Depression" (2022). Capstone Showcase. 34.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2022/pa/34
Included in
Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins Commons, Cardiovascular Diseases Commons, Nervous System Diseases Commons
The Benefit of BDNF Modification in the Treatment of Post-Stroke Depression
Neuroplasticity has been a rapidly expanding area of research, and its findings have elucidated the potential of taking advantage of some of its components for the treatment of various neural pathologies. Stroke is the most common cause of long-term disability, and it is a disease process that affects many people. There are many rehabilitation programs that seek to restore a patient’s motor and cognitive functions after stroke; if not fully, then at least partially. Unfortunately, mental health changes contribute in large part to the overall disability of a patient, but these changes are not always targeted in these programs. In particular, post-stroke depression has been found to be quite common, and likely has a significant role in the patient’s rehabilitation journey. This CME article seeks to serve a primary provider in a basic review of the current research into neuroplasticity components such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and how its modulation, through lifestyle changes and pharmacologic agents, can have significant benefit in helping the stroke survivor who suffers with post-stroke depression.