. Levetiracetam might act as an efficacious drug to attenuate cognitive deficits of Alzheimer's disease. Curr Top Med Chem. 2016;16(5):565-73. PubMed.

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  1. The role of levetiracetam (LEV) in the attenuation of hippocampal hyperactivity associated with age-related mild cognitive impairment has been extensively studied by Gallagher and colleagues in animals and humans. It is important to note that LEV may not be the only compound that can attenuate this hyperactivity. In fact, Gallagher et al., have shown that other compounds used as anti-epileptics, such as valproic acid (VPA) may also be repurposed for the management of aMCI (see Koh et al, 2010, 2013). Studies in humans using functional MRI have shown a reduction in hyperactivity following administration of LEV but these studies do not reveal whether this is due to an effect on pyramidal cells or interneurons. We have recently used in vivo electrophysiological studies of hippocampal place cell activity to show that administration of LEV plus VPA attenuates hyperactivity of pyramidal cells (see Robitsek et al., 2015).

    References:

    . Treatment strategies targeting excess hippocampal activity benefit aged rats with cognitive impairment. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2010 Mar;35(4):1016-25. PubMed.

    . Selective GABA(A) α5 positive allosteric modulators improve cognitive function in aged rats with memory impairment. Neuropharmacology. 2013 Jan;64(1):145-52. PubMed.

    . Combined administration of levetiracetam and valproic acid attenuates age-related hyperactivity of CA3 place cells, reduces place field area, and increases spatial information content in aged rat hippocampus. Hippocampus. 2015 May 4; PubMed.

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