Effect of Citicoline on Memory Function in Healthy Order Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Subtle deficits in memory in healthy elderly adults are considered to be a normal consequence of aging [i.e., age-associated memory impairment (AAMI)]. The prevalence of cognitive impairment without dementia in the elderly is estimated at 5.4 million, and every year roughly 12% of these individuals go on to develop dementia. Supplementation of citicoline (CDP-choline), a naturally occurring mononucleotide, has shown beneficial effects on memory function and behavior in populations with a wide range of impairments. Unfortunately, few studies have investigated the effects of citicoline supplementation on memory in healthy elderly adults with memory loss due to aging. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Cognizin®, a citicoline supplement, on memory in healthy elderly populations with AAMI. Methods A total of 100 healthy men and women between 50 to 85 years of age with AAMI participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Subjects were randomized to receive placebo (n = 51) or Cognizin® (n = 49; 500 mg/day) for 12 weeks. Memory functions were assessed at baseline and end of the intervention (12 weeks) using computerized tests (Cambridge Brain Sciences, Ontario, Canada). Safety measurements included adverse events query, hematology and clinical chemistry. Results A total of 99 out of 100 subjects completed the study in its entirety. After the 12 week intervention, subjects supplemented with Cognizin® showed significantly greater improvements in episodic memory (assessed by the Paired Associate test) compared to those on placebo. Scores for composite memory, calculated using the scores of four memory tests (Spatial Span, Monkey Ladder, Paired Associate, and Digit Span) also improved to a greater extent following Cognizin® supplementation compared to placebo. There were no adverse events related to a study product and hematology and clinical chemistry were stable throughout the intervention. Conclusions Dietary supplement of Cognizin® for 12 weeks improved overall memory performance, especially episodic memory, in healthy males and females with AAMI. The findings suggest that regular consumption of Cognizin® may be safe and potentially beneficial against memory loss due to aging. Funding Sources Kyowa Hakko Bio Co., Ltd.