title: [Study of the effects of vinpocetin on cognitive functions].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion is a risk factor for the development of certain types of dementia. Mild cognitive impairment is a stage of predementia condition, because the symptoms are similar but not as severe as the symptoms in patients with dementia. Vinpocetine, due to its complex mechanism of action, has an important role in the improvement of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of our study was to determine the severity of the cognitive decline and to investigate the efficacy and safety of per os 18 months vinpocetine treatment in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used psychometrical tests (MMSE, ADAS-Cog) to assess the cognitive functions. CGIC-PGIC was used to evaluate the overall change in the disease status. ADL was used to assess the patient's daily activity and the Hamilton Depression Scale to evaluate the patient's mood. The assessments were performed at six visits during the 18 months treatment period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the beginning of the treatment, the stage of our patients' mild cognitive impairment was moderately severe. Significant improvement was detected in the psychometrical tests after the 18 months treatment period. The overall status of the disease improved significantly according both to the patient and the investigator. Also significant improvement was detected in daily activity. The complex improvement of the clinical symptoms affected the patients' mood positively. Moreover, vinpocetine was safe and had a good tolerability during the whole study period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vinpocetine, due its complex mechanism of action, improved significantly the cognitive functions, overall disease status and quality of life in patients with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. As a result, vinpocetine treatment can be recommended for patients with mild cognitive impairment.
authors.affiliation: BAZ Megyei Kórház és Egyetemi Oktató Kórház, Neurológia-Toxikológia-Stroke Osztály, Miskolc. valikovics.idegtox@bazmkorhaz.hu
authors.forename: Attila
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Valikovics
authors.forename: Attila
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Csányi
authors.forename: László
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Németh
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003704:Dementia / Q000517:prevention & control; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014748:Vinca Alkaloids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D018697:Nootropic Agents; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D014748:Vinca Alkaloids; C013983:vinpocetine