Effectiveness of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Implantation on Cognitive Abilities and Cerebral Health Behavior in Patients with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Aim & Background: Hydrocephalus (HCP) is a condition found mostly in old adults due to excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain and having the symptoms of intracranial hypertension, adversely affecting the patients’ cognitive abilities. People suffering from HCP have always received conventional therapy for CSF diversion and draining out excessive CSF using ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VP). Methodology: This study focuses on determining the impact of VP shunt on cognitive abilities and cerebral health behavior in patients diagnosed particularly with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). A randomized controlled trial was conducted and a sample of 60 participants diagnosed with NPH was chosen and planned to be treated with VP shunt. These participants were categorized into two groups. Group A (n= 30) included participants who were provided care by the hospital, ensuring to maintain their cognitive health behavior. However, no care was provided to group B (n= 30) participants. Turkish version of Grading Scale of Japanese Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus was used for assessment purposes. Results: The results showed that Group A participants had significant outcomes in cognitive functions (physical and mental), quality of life and gait, while Group B participants did not show any significant improvement. The findings offer useful insights to devise innovative surgical interventions and influence patient outcomes beyond clinical metrics, post-VP shunt implementation and consequent impact on cognitive abilities and cerebral health behavior in patients. Conclusion: There are recommendations to improve patient’s quality of life, and physical and mental functional independence and cognitive behavioral adaptations for the healthcare providers, particularly in developing post-operative care plans.