Open-labelled observations of language dysfunction in old ischemic stroke patients with aphasia when given plant and marine-based nutrient supplements for 12 weeks.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore the effect of functional foods on aphasia related to a previous ischemic stroke. When stroke-related neurological deficits result in physical dependency and poor selfcare that persists longer than 6 months, full recovery is almost impossible and the patient often requires long-term care. The functional foods, EASE123 and BioBalance#6, include numerous plant and marine-based nutrient supplements that could prove beneficial for such patients. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN This open-labelled study included 10 patients diagnosed with prior ischemic stroke and aphasia lasting longer than 6 months. Each patient was administered 6 tablets of EASE123 at 10:30 AM and at 90 minutes before sleeping, and 3 tablets of BioBalance# 6 at 2:30 PM. After a treatment period of 12 weeks, the patients were followed during a 4-week withdrawal period. Functional improvement was assessed by scores and subscores on the Concise Chinese Aphasia Test (CCAT) at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16. RESULTS Average total CCAT scores and matching ability improved significantly at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16 (p<0.05). Simple response scores improved significantly at weeks 8 and 12 (p<0.05). Auditory comprehension improved significantly at weeks 4 and 12 (p<0.05), and reading comprehension, at week 12 (p<0.05). Repetition ability improved significantly at weeks 8, 12, and 16 (p<0.05), and spontaneous writing, at weeks 4, 12, and 16 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Matching, repetition, and average total CCAT scores improved over the course of the study. Therefore, 6 months after ischemic stroke, EASE123 and BioBalance# 6 administration may improve stroke-related aphasia.