Growth hormones could boost memory of stroke sufferers

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in Australia, with up to 80 percent of survivors experiencing problems with cognitive functions as well as devastating impairments to speech and mobility.

But new research is showing that growth hormones could be the answer, helping to boost the memory of people who have suffered a stroke.

Researchers in Newcastle have explored the use of a synthetic form of human growth hormone which is created in the lab and is indicated in Australia for children with growth deficiencies.

Their research into stroke follows mounting evidence overseas that it helps people recover from brain injury.

"A number of groups in the United States had started to show that growth hormone was very effective in promoting cognitive function in patients that had suffered a traumatic brain injury – things like a bomb blast or a blunt force trauma to the head," said Associate Professor Rohan Walker from the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute.

The Hunter team showed the impact growth hormones had on stroke-affected mice through cognitive testing and by analysing changes in the brain.

"We see better blood vessel formation, we see better neuronal growth, we see the connection points between neurons are enhanced," said Associate Professor Rohan Walker.

"So together we've been able to demonstrate both the fabric of the brain is fundamentally improved as a function of growth hormone and also that this has direct functional consequences from improvement in learning and memory," said Prof Walker.

Research fellow Dr Lin Kooi Ong describes it as a major breakthrough.

"It has huge potential to then go on to clinical trials," he said.

Researchers say because the drug is already commercially available and very safe, human trials could start as early next year.

But they need considerable funding for the next phase of research.

Rachael Peak, 38, is a scientist who suffered a stroke in her twenties.

She says she would readily volunteer in a human trial of the growth hormone.

Ms Peak says memory recall is one of the biggest challenges in her recovery. Even simple daily tasks, such as remembering whether she has brushed her teeth, can be frustrating.

"Everything has to be written down. If it's not written down I can't remember it," she said.

The Hunter research was recently published in the medical journal Stroke.