Enhancement of Memory by Physostigmine

  • Kenneth L. Davis
  • , Richard C. Mohs
  • , Jared R. Tinklenberg

Research output: Contribution to journalLetterpeer-review

120 Scopus citations

Abstract

To the Editor: A deficit in central cholinergic function has been implicated in age-related memory loss and Alzheimer's disease.1,2 We wish to report that we have been able to improve memory performance in six elderly patients by administering physostigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor that, as we previously demonstrated, can improve memory in young adults.3 A critical feature of our study in elderly patients is that each was given several doses of physostigmine in an effort to determine a dose that would improve memory. This drug improves memory only in a narrow, low-dose range,4 and the dose that improves memory may vary. No extract is available for articles shorter than 400 words.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)946
Number of pages1
JournalNew England Journal of Medicine
Volume301
Issue number17
DOIs
StatePublished - 25 Oct 1979
Externally publishedYes

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