Piracetam‐induced improvement of mental performance

Abstract

A double‐blind, intra‐individual cross‐over comparison of the mental performance of 18 aging, non‐deteriorated individuals during two 4‐week periods of piracetam (1‐acetamide‐2‐pyrrolidone) and placebo administration was performed using conventional and computerized perceptual‐motor tasks. In a majority of these tasks the subjects did significantly better when on piracetam than on placebo, a finding consistent with ratings completed by two independent observers. The findings indicate new avenues for the treatment of individuals with reduced mental performance possibly related to disturbed alertness — a neglected group of psychiatric conditions.