CITICOLINE IMPROVES VERBAL MEMORY IN AGING

Objective: To test the verbal memory of older volunteers given citicol ine. Design: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group design was employed in the initial study. After data analysis, a subgroup was identified whose members had relatively inefficient memo ries. These subjects were recruited for a second study that used a cro ssover design. The subjects took either placebo or citicoline, 1000 mg /d, for 3 months in the initial study. In the crossover study, subject s took both placebo and citicoline, 2000 mg/d, each for 2 months. Subj ects: The subjects were 47 female and 48 male volunteers 50 to 85 year s old. They were screened for dementia, memory disorders, and other ne urological problems. Of the subjects with relatively inefficient memor ies, 32 participated in the crossover study. Main Outcome Measure: Ver bal memory was tested at each study visit using a logical memory passa ge. Plasma choline concentrations were measured at baseline; at days 3 0, 60, and 90 in the initial study; and at day 60 of each treatment co ndition in the crossover study. Plasma choline concentrations and memo ry scores were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance a nd covariance, followed by planned comparisons when appropriate. Resul ts: In the initial study, citicoline therapy improved delayed recall o n logical memory only for the subjects with relatively inefficient mem ories. In the crossover study, the higher dosage of citicoline was cle arly associated with improved immediate and delayed logical memory. Co nclusions: Citicoline therapy improved verbal memory functioning in ol der individuals with relatively inefficient memories. Citicoline may p rove effective in treating age-related cognitive decline that may be t he precursor of dementia.