Clinical Efficacy of Aniracetam, Either as Monotherapy or Combined with Cholinesterase Inhibitors, in Patients with Cognitive Impairment: A Comparative Open Study
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 05/02/2012  Clinical Article

Koliaki CC et al. – The 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.

• In the prospective, open–label study, the authors enrolled a total of 276 patients (mean age 71 ± 8 years, 95 males) with cognitive disorders.
• The 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, they 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.