Pycnogenol® supplementation in minimal cognitive dysfunction

Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences
Morio HosoiBeatrice Feragalli

Abstract

Impairments in cognitive function are difficult to evaluate and measure. In most cases, subjects do not perceive any alteration in their own status, particularly in case of mild cognitive impairment. In case of minimal alterations of cognitive function, no real treatment exists at the moment. Functional and/or temporary alterations in the cerebral microcirculation may be involved in cognitive impairment, and some aspects of MCI may be theoretically caused by perfusional problems. Metabolic problems and sleep disturbances can also be associated to cognitive impairment. Pycnogenol® (Horphag) is a natural compound extracted from the bark of French maritime pine, and it is a highly standardized supplement. The aim of this registry was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with Pycnogenol® over a two-month-period in otherwise healthy individuals with minimal cognitive impairment and initial cognitive dysfunction selected on the basis of their MMSE score. Eighty-seven healthy subjects with a MMSE score ranging from 18 to 23 (mild impairment) were included. Their BMI was <26 kg/m2, and no metabolic disorders were present. Participants were divided into two groups: one group was treated with standard management (SM) only (N.=44), ...Continue Reading

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