Long term effects of piracetam on spectral analysis of EEG in Alzheimer's disease and minimal cognitive impairment

Abstract

Objective: Influence of piracetam in post-stroke aphasia and myoclonic epilepsy has been shown with EEG spectral power analysis. Particularly piracetam is involved in restoration of alpha topography in these patients. On the other hand long term effects of piracetam in Alzheimer's disase or minimal cognitive impairment (MCI) patients have not been determined so far. Methods: We have evaluated spectral EEG analysis of 13 minimal cognitive impairment and 18 mild or less severe Alzheimer dementia patients after receiving piracetam 2400 mg and 4800 mg respectively for 4 weeks. Control group was consisted of 16 healthy subjects with similar age and sex characteristics. We analyzed EEG power spectrum before and after delivering 2400 or 4800 mg piracetam. Results: In Alzheimer's disase group enhancement of delta band power began with 2400 mg piracetam and lasted on 4800 mg. Theta band power spectrum values significantly decreased. Alpha and beta band power spectrums were not changed. MCI patients have shown very similar results with AD patients Conclusions: We have found that long term delivering of piracetam enhances slow-wave band powers of EEG both in Alzheimer's disase and MCI patients.