The Impact of Combined Application of Donepezil and Nimodipine on Patients with Comorbid Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Cognitive Dysfunction: Efficacy and Influence on Nutritional Status

Abstract

Background and objective: Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) often coexists with cognitive dysfunction in patients, leading to significant challenges in treatment and management. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of combined application of donepezil and nimodipine on patients with comorbid CSVD and cognitive dysfunction and the effects on patients' albumin and prealbumin levels. 

Methods: The records of 112 patients with comorbid CSVD and cognitive dysfunction treated at the People's Hospital of Suzhou New District from January 2019 to December 2022 were analysed retrospectively. A total of 50 patients receiving donepezil were allocated to the control group, and 62 patients receiving both nimodipine and donepezil to the study group. Outcomes compared between the two groups included serum homocysteine (Hcy), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), albumin, and prealbumin before and after therapy, efficacy, and adverse reactions. Additionally, logistic regression was performed to analyze the risk factors impacting patient prognosis. 

Results: Prior to therapy, the two groups did not differ significantly in Hcy and hs-CRP levels (p > 0.05), whereas after therapy, the levels in both groups dropped significantly (p < 0.01), with more obvious lower levels in the study group (p < 0.05). After treatment, the study group presented significantly higher albumin and prealbumin levels than the control group (p < 0.001). An obvious higher overall response rate was observed in the study group compared to the control group (p = 0.012). No significant inter-group discrepancy was found regarding the total incidence of adverse reactions (p = 0.752). Univariate analysis identified age, course of disease, heart rate (HR), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), drinking history, as well as medication regimen as risk factors impacting patient prognosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified SBP, DBP, and medication regimen as the independent risk factors. 

Conclusion: Combined application of donepezil and nimodipine can effectively treat patients with comorbid CSVD and cognitive dysfunction. It can significantly lower the Hcy and hs-CRP levels and improve the nutritional status without increasing the frequency of adverse reactions. In addition, for CSVD patients with cognitive dysfunction, age, course of disease, MoCA score, HR, SBP, DBP, drinking history, and medication regimen are risk factors impacting patient prognosis, while SBP, DBP, and medication regimen are independent risk factors.