Pronoran in the treatment of mental organic syndrome in the elderly

Efficacy and tolerability of pronoran (piribedil) was investigated in an open clinical trial including 21 patients, aged 61-85 years, with initial cognitive disturbances of cerebral vascular genesis. Along with a clinical and somatic examination, the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) test, the Sandoz Clinical Assessment Geriatric (SCAG) scale and a scale for side-effects were used. Pronoran was prescribed in a dosage 50-100 mg/day during 3 months. Patients were examined at base line and on the treatment day 14, 42 and 90. A positive clinical effect on mild cognitive impairment was achieved after 1.5 months and maintained to the end of 3 month therapy. Pronoran improves ability to sustain attention, learning and memory, organization of thinking and executive mental function. It also has a mild antidepressive and antianxiety action, being safe for elderly patients.