Clinical efficacy of aniracetam, either as monotherapy or combined with cholinesterase inhibitors, in patients with cognitive impairment: a comparative open study.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Dementia constitutes an increasingly prevalent cognitive disorder with serious socioeconomic implications.

AIMS:

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of aniracetam, either as monotherapy or combined with cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs), in terms of several neuropsychological parameters, in a considerable number of patients with dementia.

RESULTS:

In our prospective, open-label study, we enrolled a total of 276 patients (mean age 71 ± 8 years, 95 males) with cognitive disorders. Our study population comprised four groups: no treatment group (n = 75), aniracetam monotherapy group (n = 58), ChEIs monotherapy group (n = 68), and group of combined treatment (n = 68). Patients were examined with validated neuropsychological tests at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment. In patients treated with aniracetam, all studied parameters were adequately maintained at 6 and 12 months, while emotional state was significantly improved at 3 months. In patients treated with ChEIs, we observed a significant cognitive deterioration at 12 months. The comparison between aniracetam and ChEIs in patients with relatively mild dementia (15 ≤ MMSE ≤ 25) revealed a significantly better cognitive performance with aniracetam at 6 months and improved functionality at 3 months. Comparing aniracetam monotherapy with combined treatment in the same population, aniracetam performed better in the cognitive scale at 6 months, and displayed a notable tendency for enhanced mood at 12 months and improved functionality at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings indicate that aniracetam (a nootropic compound with glutamatergic activity and neuroprotective potential) is a promising option for patients with cognitive deficit of mild severity. It preserved all neuropsychological parameters for at least 12 months, and seemed to exert a favorable effect on emotional stability of demented patients.

• Authors: Chrysi C Koliaki, Chaido Messini, Magda Tsolaki
• Journal: CNS neuroscience & therapeutics (CNS Neurosci Ther) Vol. 18 Issue 4 Pg. 302-12 (Apr 2012) ISSN: 1755-5949 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 22070796 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Chemical References

• Cholinesterase Inhibitors
• Nootropic Agents
• Pyrrolidinones
• aniracetam

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Cholinesterase Inhibitors (administration & dosage)
• Cognition Disorders (drug therapy, psychology)
• Cohort Studies
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nootropic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Prospective Studies
• Pyrrolidinones (administration & dosage)
• Treatment Outcome