In conclusion, the present study indicated that the Chinese herbal decoction YXJF improves memory impairment through anti-apoptotic mechanisms and through enhancing PKA/CREB signal transduction in rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, which suggested the potential uses of YXJF, or compounds derived thereof, against cognitive deficits in VaD. The gene discussed is CREB1; the disease is memory impairment.