Deans' stroke musings: The effect of probiotic supplements on cognitive outcomes and neuroplasticity in elderly ischemic stroke survivors

Changing stroke rehab and research worldwide now.Time is Brain! trillions and trillions of neurons that DIE each day because there are NO effective hyperacute therapies besides tPA(only 12% effective). I have 523 posts on hyperacute therapy, enough for researchers to spend decades proving them out. These are my personal ideas and blog on stroke rehabilitation and stroke research. Do not attempt any of these without checking with your medical provider. Unless you join me in agitating, when you need these therapies they won't be there.

What this blog is for:

My blog is not to help survivors recover, it is to have the 10 million yearly stroke survivors light fires underneath their doctors, stroke hospitals and stroke researchers to get stroke solved. 100% recovery. The stroke medical world is completely failing at that goal, they don't even have it as a goal. Shortly after getting out of the hospital and getting NO information on the process or protocols of stroke rehabilitation and recovery I started searching on the internet and found that no other survivor received useful information. This is an attempt to cover all stroke rehabilitation information that should be readily available to survivors so they can talk with informed knowledge to their medical staff. It lays out what needs to be done to get stroke survivors closer to 100% recovery. It's quite disgusting that this information is not available from every stroke association and doctors group.

Monday, June 29, 2026

The effect of probiotic supplements on cognitive outcomes and neuroplasticity in elderly ischemic stroke survivors

How soon will your competent? doctor and dietician update your diet protocols? Oh NO, you don't have any, do you?

The effect of probiotic supplements on cognitive outcomes and neuroplasticity in elderly ischemic stroke survivors

Xiaohong Zheng 1† *
Wei Chen 1†
K
Kai Hong 2
Jiaqing Chen 1
Y
Yuebin Lin 1
J
Jiehua Yang 1

1. Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
2. Department of General Affairs, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China

Abstract

Background:

This retrospective cohort study investigates the effects of probiotic supplementation on the nutritional, cognitive, and motor functions of elderly survivors recovering from ischemic stroke. Given the high prevalence of nutritional deficits and cognitive impairments in this population, exploring adjunct therapies such as probiotics could provide improved outcomes.

Methods:

The study included 223 elderly ischemic stroke survivors treated between March 2021 and February 2024, divided into two groups based on treatment modalities: the Conventional Group (n = 117) receiving standard enteral nutrition, and the Supplement Group (n = 106) receiving similar nutrition plus probiotics. Data collected included NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), nutritional indicators, cognitive assessments (MMSE, HDS, CDR, SES), and motor evaluations (STREAM, mRS, MBI).

Results:

Baseline comparisons showed no significant differences between groups. Post-treatment outcomes demonstrated significant improvements in the Supplement Group across several measures. Neurotrophic and nutritional parameters, including BDNF, hemoglobin, albumin, and prealbumin levels, significantly increased (p ≤ 0.011). Cognitive function also improved, with higher MMSE and HDS scores and reduced CDR scores (p < 0.003). Motor function, evaluated by STREAM, showed enhanced upper and lower limb mobility and basic activities (p ≤ 0.014). Further, participants in the Supplement Group experienced better functional recovery with decreased mRS scores and increased MBI scores (p < 0.004). The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events was significantly reduced in the Supplement Group (p < 0.001), and correlation analysis underscored positive associations between probiotics and improved outcomes (p ≤ 0.003).

Conclusion:

Probiotic supplementation as part of nutritional therapy significantly enhances nutritional, cognitive, and motor function recovery in elderly ischemic stroke survivors, while also reducing gastrointestinal adverse events. These findings suggest that incorporating probiotics into recovery protocols post-stroke may facilitate better health outcomes and provide a well-tolerated therapeutic adjunct.