The effects of the PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast on cognitive performance after a cerebrovascular accident: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial with an open label extension (ROSTMEMA).
J PsychopharmacolApr 24, 2026 (epub)
Jill Kerckhoffs, Ieke Winkens, Arthur Ooghe et al.
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In 30 seconds
This double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of the PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast on cognitive performance in 100 post-stroke patients aged 41-70 with memory complaints. The study found that roflumilast significantly improved memory scores on the VLT and Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test, with effect sizes reaching 0.33-0.40 after adjusting for baseline covariates.
Key findings
- Roflumilast improved VLT delayed recall scores with effect sizes of 0.33-0.40 after adjusting for baseline covariates.
- Participants receiving roflumilast showed non-significant moderate effect sizes of 0.31-0.36 on memory tests at endpoint.
- In the open label extension, all memory test scores improved with medium to large significant effect sizes (Partial η 2: 0.079-0.171).
- Adverse events were similar between the roflumilast and placebo groups.
Why it matters
Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment (PSCI) is a significant challenge in recovery, and effective treatments are limited. This study suggests that roflumilast may offer a new pharmacological option to enhance cognitive function in affected patients.