L-acetylcarnitine in stabilized cerebrovascular lesions. A neuropsychological study: preliminary data

In this study, an investigation into the mode of action of L-acetylcarnitine (L-Ac), a naturally occurring substance with properties capable of improving some neuropsychological functions, is described. Seventeen patients with clinical signs and symptoms of cerebrovascular damage giving rise to neurovascular deficits were studied, using a comprehensive series of neuropsychological and clinical tests. Nine of the 17 were given L-Ac orally, 500 mg b.d. for 2-3 months. They were all receiving other drug therapy as necessary and undergoing neurological rehabilitation and antiparalysis therapy. The findings showed an improved performance in attention tests in the nine patients treated with L-Ac as compared to the controls. This is considered possibly due to an overall activation of cognitive functions.