A study today has revealed that antidepressants may be able to help restore memory skills and cognitive function that have been effected due to stroke.

Escitalopram (trade names Lexapro, Cipralex), was linked to to improved cognitive functioning in a group of stroke patients that did not suffer from symptoms of depression.

According to the LA Times,

Previous research showed antidepressants were associated with improved cognitive functioning in stroke patients who were given the drug because they were depressed. The new study, published in the Archives of General Psychiatry and funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, assessed the effect of cognitive functioning in 129 stroke patients who were not depressed.

Participants were treated within three months of the stroke in one of three ways: a low dose — 5 to 10 milligrams — of escitalopram, a placebo pill or problem-solving therapy but no medication. (The standard dose of escitalopram, also known by the brand name Lexapro, for treating depression is 20 milligrams.)

After one year, the group on escitalopram had higher scores on tests assessing thinking, learning and memory functions as well as ones testing verbal and visual memory. The group treated with medication also had greater improvements in activities related to daily living.

There is currently only a few treatments that can help lessen the after effects of a stroke. The study is still a ways from finding out if it would be a suitable option. Larger test groups must be done and doctors must also find out what risks would be involved.