The Ulster Hospital is taking part in a UK-wide clinical trial to determine whether two commonly prescribed heart medications can reduce the risk of vascular dementia in people who have had a stroke.

The study, supported by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, spans 25 hospitals and aims to recruit 400 participants. Researchers are investigating if drugs that improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles might also enhance circulation in the brain and limit damage to small blood vessels. Such damage, which can follow a stroke, is linked to vascular dementia, a condition with no current cure.

91-year-old James Stevenson from Bangor joined the trial after suffering a stroke six weeks ago. He initially believed he had trapped a nerve in his right hand before receiving his diagnosis. Mr Stevenson said he was surprised to learn it was more serious, but has been pleased with the care from Ulster Hospital staff. He now attends regular check-ups that monitor his weight, blood pressure, hand function and memory. Mr Stevenson noted he has benefited from the research of others and was happy to contribute.

Consultant Physician Dr Mark Bowman described the trial as an important step toward offering new hope to patients and families. He explained that no treatments currently exist to reduce cognitive impairment after the types of stroke being studied—cortical and lacunar. The study collects data to see whether existing therapies can be repurposed to tackle small vessel damage in the brain. Dr Bowman expressed gratitude to participants like Mr Stevenson for giving their time to help answer these questions.