title: A multidimensional approach in testing nootropic drug effects (Cerebrolysin).
abstract: In an attempt to improve indicators of validity for the therapeutic efficacy of nootropics, the effects of Cerebrolysin(R) were compared across three different dimensions of variables in a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study. A group of 27 geriatric patients suffering from an organic brain syndrome with moderate cognitive impairment of a vascular or/and degenerative nature received a series of ten Cerebrolysin + multivitamin infusions. They were compared to a second group with 14 clinically comparable patients, who received multivitamin infusions alone. Pre-posttreatment differences from (1) clinical scales (SCAG, Plutchik Geriatric Rating Scale and a self-evaluation scale); (2) psychometric test performance (trail-making and maze subtests from the Nürnberg Age Inventory); and (3) event-related brain activity (contingent negative variation (CNV) amplitude) were in favor of the Cerebrolysin-treated group. A high degree of association as well as high classification rates (95% joint correct classification) underlined their clinical significance. It was concluded that the multidimensional measurement approach could increase the clinical validity of nootropic drug effects.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Salzburg, Landesnervenklinik, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kofler
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Erhart
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Erhart
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Harrer