From the data reported in the literature , it emerges that nootropics may be an effective alternative for strengthening and enhancing cognitive performance in patients with a range of pathologies .
Although nootropics , and specifically the cholinergic precursors , already have a long history behind them , according to recent renewal of interest , they still seem to have a significant therapeutic role .
Drugs with regulatory indications for symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer 's disease , such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine , often have transient effects in dementia disorders .
Nootropics represent probably the first " smart drugs " used for the treatment of cognitive deficits .
The aim of this paper is to verify , by a systematic analysis of the literature , the effectiveness of nootropics in this indication .
The analysis was limited to nootropics with cholinergic activity , in view of the role played by acetylcholine in learning and memory .
Acetylcholine was the first neurotransmitter identified in the history of neuroscience and is the main neurotransmitter of the peripheral , autonomic , and enteric nervous systems .
Acetyl-l-carnitine reduces depression and improves quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
Abstract Background . Minimal hepatic encephalopathy ( MHE ) represents a common complication present in well-compensated cirrhotic patients that impairs patients ' daily functioning and health-related quality of life ( HRQL ) . Acetyl-l-carnitine ( ALC ) has been shown to be useful in improving blood ammonia and cognitive functions in cirrhotic patients with MHE . Objective . This study evaluated the effects of ALC treatment on HRQL and depression in patients with MHE . Study design . This was a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled study . Sixty-seven patients with MHE were recruited to the study . They were r and omly assigned to two groups and received either 2 g acetyl-l-carnitine twice a day ( n = 33 ) or placebo ( n = 34 ) for 90 days . The primary efficacy measures were changes in aspartate aminotransferase , alanine aminotransferase , γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase , albumin , alkaline phosphatase , prothrombin time , and ammonia . Clinical and laboratory assessment s , psychometric tests and automated electroencephalogram ( EEG ) analysis were performed for all patients . Results . At the end of the study period , between the two groups , we observed a significant difference in physical function ( p < 0.001 ) , role physical ( p < 0.001 ) , general health ( p < 0.001 ) , social function ( p < 0.05 ) , role emotional ( p < 0.05 ) , mental health ( p < 0.05 ) , Beck Depression Inventory ( p < 0.001 ) , TMT-B s ( p < 0.001 ) , State Trait Inventory ( p < 0.001 ) , urea ( p < 0.05 ) , NH4 + ( p < 0.001 ) , and bilirubin ( p < 0.001 ) . Conclusions . This study shows that ALC treatment is associated with significant improvement in patient energy levels , general functioning and well-being . The improvement of quality of life is associated with reduction of anxiety and depression
From the data reported in the literature , it emerges that nootropics may be an effective alternative for strengthening and enhancing cognitive performance in patients with a range of pathologies .
Although nootropics , and specifically the cholinergic precursors , already have a long history behind them , according to recent renewal of interest , they still seem to have a significant therapeutic role .
Drugs with regulatory indications for symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer 's disease , such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine , often have transient effects in dementia disorders .
Nootropics represent probably the first " smart drugs " used for the treatment of cognitive deficits .
The aim of this paper is to verify , by a systematic analysis of the literature , the effectiveness of nootropics in this indication .
The analysis was limited to nootropics with cholinergic activity , in view of the role played by acetylcholine in learning and memory .
Acetylcholine was the first neurotransmitter identified in the history of neuroscience and is the main neurotransmitter of the peripheral , autonomic , and enteric nervous systems .