Cognition memory effects

The effects of muscarinic cholinergic agents on memory function have been extensively investigated, and blockade with such agents has been proposed as a possible model for the cognitive failure seen in AD (Sunderland et al. 1988). However, many of the results of such studies can be interpreted as effects on attentional mechanisms or decision processes rather than true memory effects (i.e., effects on encoding, storage, or retrieval) (Beatty et al. 1986). 

Warburton and Rusted (1993) have summarized the effects of cholinergic, particularly nicotinic, systems on cognition by suggesting that the data support a role for such systems in regulating the functional state of the cortex and the central executive mechanism [or supervisory attentional system). They further conclude that nicotine s most robust memory effects are seen in tasks that have a high attentional requirement, that is, that memory enhancement may be a consequence of improved attentional functioning. 

Attempts to attenuate the memory dysfunction seen with BILAT ECT have led to studies of alternate bilateral electrode placements. For example, asymmetric left frontal-right frontal temporal bilateral (ABL) electrode placement has been reported to produce the same degree of efficacy while inducing fewer cognitive side effects... 

Another important aspect to this question is the cognitive dysfunction associated with severe depression. Much of the memory effects are focused on events occurring during the illness and the period of treatment [see Abrams ( 94) for a detailed analysis]. Thus, many depressed patients may suffer from severe memory disturbances before their course of ECT, and paradoxically appear to improve over a course of treatment. Thus, improvement in the attention and concentration disruption often associated with severe depression is so significant, that it overrides the organic amnesia induced by the course of seizures. 

SIB-1553A has been evaluated for potential cognitive-enhancement effects in an animal model. When tested in a sequential spontaneous alternation task, this compound was found to reverse the working memory deficits... 

Other Chemotypes. Several other 5-HT, antagonists have demonstrated cognition-enhancing effects in animal models. However, data from human studies have yet to be reported. (i2)-Zacopride (170 in Fig. 14.18 Synthelabo) is undergoing clinical development as a potential treatment for cancer chemotherapy-induced emesis. In atropine-treated rats, (jR)-zacopride significantly attenuated memory impairments in a spatial navi-... 

No clear evidence from controlled human trials that Gingko biloba preparations have significant memory-enhancing or cognition-enhancing effect in non-impaired individuals. 

Accumulating evidence indicates that endocannabinoids have cannabinoid and non GBR mediated effects in these classical cannabinomimetic actions. CBR-related processes seem also involved in cognition, memory, anxiety, control of appetite, emesis, inflammatory, and immune responses. The cannabinoid agonist may induce biphasic effects for example, hyperactivity at low doses and severe motor deficits at larger doses have been documented. 

Denise D. Correa, Ph.D., aboard certified neuropsychologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NewYork City who specializes in the cognitive side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, likes to use a specific analogy to describe these attentional and executive function difficulties. It s as if you have a file cabinet and most files are there, but they re not in order or they re not labeled clearly, she says. So you can t find them efficiently. ... 

Ludvigson, H. W. and Rottman, T. R. 1989. Effects of ambient odors of lavender and cloves on cognition, memory, affect and mood, 14(4) 525-536. 

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