Effects of N-PEP-12 on memory among older adults.

Abstract

N-PEP-12 is a derivative of cerebrolysin, a brain-derived neuropeptide compound that has been approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in more than 30 countries. N-PEP-12 is much less potent than cerebrolysin but it can be administered orally whereas the parent compound must be administered through multiple intravenous infusions. This study was undertaken to determine whether N-PEP-12 is effective in improving memory and other cognitive abilities among healthy older adults who have experienced 'normal' age-related memory loss. Subjects were 54 males and females, aged 50 years and older, who presented both subjective and objective evidence of memory loss since early adulthood. The study was a fully randomized, double-blind comparison of N-PEP-12 and placebo. Cognitive assessments were performed at baseline and following 30 days of treatment. The primary outcome measure was the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-cog) Memory score, with the Syndrom Kurz Test (SKT) test, digit cancellation, digit span, verbal fluency and clinical ratings as secondary outcomes. N-PEP-12 treated subjects performed better than placebo-treated subjects on the ADAS-cog Memory score, the SKT, clinical ratings and some, but not other tests. N-PEP-12 may be an effective treatment for memory loss in healthy older adults.

• Authors: Thomas H Crook, Steven H Ferris, X Anton Alvarez, Martha Laredo, Herbert Moessler
• Journal: International clinical psychopharmacology (Int Clin Psychopharmacol) Vol. 20 Issue 2 Pg. 97-100 (Mar 2005) ISSN: 0268-1315 [Print] England
• PMID: 15729085 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Amino Acids
• N-PEP-12
• Nootropic Agents

Topics

• Aged
• Amino Acids (therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Memory (drug effects)
• Memory Disorders (drug therapy, psychology)
• Middle Aged
• Nootropic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome