Daphnetin Capsule In the Treatment of VaScular COgnitive Impairment Without Dementia

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is caused by ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes and other cerebrovascular diseases, leading to cognitive and memory function impairment. With the aging population and high incidence of cerebrovascular diseases in China, Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) prevalence is rising, increasing the disease burden. However, due to the complexity of Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) symptoms and imaging changes, targeted therapies are currently lacking.

Daphnetin, a coumarin derivative, has shown promise in treating various diseases and has gained significant attention recently. It offers "triple protection" for blood, blood vessels, and ischemic tissues by inhibiting inflammation, anticoagulation, and thrombosis, protecting endothelial structures, and regulating vasoactive substances. Daphnetin is particularly beneficial for cardio-cerebral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and microvascular complications. It also expands peripheral blood vessels, improving circulation and alleviating vascular occlusive diseases.

Research indicates that Daphnetin's anti-inflammatory effects can inhibit neuroinflammation, promote synaptic growth, and enhance neuronal survival, protecting nerve cells and repairing damage. Despite these benefits, there is a lack of high-quality studies on Daphnetin's role in non-dementia vascular cognitive impairment (VCI-ND).

This project aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of oral Daphnetin capsules in treating Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) through a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients with vascular cognitive dysfunction confirmed by cerebral small vessel disease imaging will participate. The study will follow the international FINESSE framework, comparing Daphnetin to a placebo over six months, with follow-up visits and case report forms completed every three months.

Inclusion criteria

• Be 50-80 years of age (both ends included)
• Have a complaint of cognitive impairment involving memory and/or other cognitive domains that has persisted for at least 3 months
• Have a cognitive level that is neither normal nor demented according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Criteria ( DSM-V criteria）, a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA scale) score <26 and ≥18, and a Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale score of ≥0.5 in at least one domain and an overall CDR score ≤1
• Have a cognitive level that is neither normal nor demented according to DSM-V criteria, a MoCA scale score <26 and ≥18, and a CDR scale score of ≥0.5 in at least one domain and an overall CDR score ≤1
• Voluntarily participate in this study and sign an informed consent form.

Exclusion criteria

• Previously diagnosed dementia; vascular cognitive impairment not associated with a condition other than dementia that may affect cognition
• Acute stroke event within 6 months
• Previously diagnosed hereditary or inflammatory small vessel disease
• Presence of congenital mental retardation and severe neurological or psychiatric disorders
• Illiteracy or severe visual or hearing impairment, severe aphasia, and other factors that may preclude cooperation with neuropsychological evaluation
• Associated depression (Hamilton Depression Scale score ≥ 17), or other unrelated serious mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or delirium)
• Combined severe cardiac, pulmonary, and renal insufficiency (creatinine > 2.0 mg/dl or 177 μ mol/L), and severe hepatic impairment (aminotransferases more than 3 times normal)
• Alcoholism, drug addiction, or ongoing use of medications that affect cognitive assessment, such as tranquilizers, sleeping pills, puberty pills, and cholinergics
• Malignant tumors that have been clearly diagnosed, vital organ failure
• Those with bleeding tendency after surgery
• Pregnant and lactating women are prohibited
• Severe hypertension (Systolic Blood Pressure(SBP)≥160mmHg and/or Diastolic Blood Pressure(DBP)≥110mmHg) is prohibited
• Previous allergy or intolerance to the ingredients of Reserpine
• The subject does not have a stable and reliable caregiver or the caregiver is unable to assist the subject in participating in the study
• Patients who have participated in other interventional clinical studies within the last 3 months or are currently participating in other interventional clinical studies.