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Scientists Develop Memory Enhancing Drug

American researchers developed the drug CX717, which substantially improves memory, and may be used to treat Alzheimer`s disease and other neurological diseases, the New Scientist reported in its latest issue. CX717 contains ingredients called ampakines, which work by binding to particular receptors in the brain, called AMPA-type glutamate receptors, which isn?t known to be an important part of the normal operation of memory. The drug may also be effective in fighting jetlag and ADHD and used as a general stimulant.

In the study, which was carried out by Julia Boyle at the Sleep Research Centre at the University of Surrey, UK, and her colleagues on behalf of Cortex Pharmaceuticals Inc., based in Irvine, California, US, 16 men aging 18 to 45, were asked to take a series of memory tests, after staying awake all night. The tests were designed to test their memory, concentration, alertness, response time and problem solving abilities.

At 11 PM, a portion the subjects were given the memory drug, while the other group received a placebo. The subjects were tested during and after 27 hour of being awake. The study found that those who took the drug functioned better than those who received the placebo. Cortex Pharmaceuticals Inc. explained that the drug improved the communication amongst the neurons, and that it currently has no known side effects. Since the drug doesn?t function like conventional stimulants, it doesn?t affect sleep. The company announced it intends to conduct another study on subjects who suffer from a variety of brain dysfunctions, including Alzheimer`s, and ADHD.