Effect of Acetyl-L-Carnitine on Serum Levels of Cortisol and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and Its Clinical Effect in Patients with Senile Dementia of Alzheimer Type

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Original Research Article

Effect of Acetyl- L -Carnitine on Serum Levels of Cortisol and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and Its Clinical Effect in Patients with Senile Dementia of Alzheimer Type

Parnetti L. · Gaiti A. · Mecocci P. · Gottfries C.G. · Santucci C. · Reboldi G.P. · Senin U.

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Keywords: Aging brainPharmacological treatmentHypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axisNeuropsychological assessment

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 1990;1:165–168

Abstract

Eleven patients with senile dementia of Alzheimer type were treated with acetyl- L -carnitine (ALC) intravenously for 10 days and then orally for 50 days. Serum levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone were measured at baseline and after the intravenous treatment. Neuropsychological assessment was also carried out at the same times and at the end of the oral treatment. The results show a trend toward a decrease of the mean cortisol levels and a significant improvement of cognitive performances. These data could support the idea of the neuronotrophic action of ALC, indicating its usefulness for the treatment of dementia disorders.

© 1990 S. Karger AG, Basel

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It’s easy to shut down cortisol. The problem is the opposite, not enough GC signalling.

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