Pleiotropic Applications of Citicoline
Citicoline, a naturally occurring compound, is a pivotal intermediate in phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis and an essential constituent of cell membranes. In the realm of neurological health, it exhibits broad pleiotropic effects, drawing particular attention for its roles in preserving cognitive function and improving neural performance.
Cognitive and Mood Enhancement
In Alzheimer’s disease and mixed dementia, citicoline’s pleiotropic benefits are clearly evident. Clinical studies show that daily supplementation with 1 g of citicoline, in combination with memantine and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine), markedly improves cognition. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores at 6 and 12 months were significantly higher in the combination-therapy group than in controls receiving standard drugs alone, indicating slowed cognitive decline or even cognitive enhancement.
The same regimen also positively influences instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), such as using a telephone or managing medications. After 12 months, IADL scores were substantially better in the combination group, a crucial gain for maintaining patient independence. Furthermore, geriatric depression scale (GDS) scores revealed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms among those receiving citicoline, thereby improving overall quality of life.
Additional Potential Benefits
Citicoline’s pleiotropic profile extends to other cognition-related areas. Evidence suggests it may aid recovery from post-stroke cognitive impairment, helping restore compromised cognitive functions. In age-related cognitive decline, citicoline also shows promise, potentially slowing the rate of deterioration and enabling older adults to maintain normal cognitive levels.
Underlying these diverse effects is a complex mechanism of action: citicoline boosts acetylcholine synthesis and safeguards neuronal membrane integrity; suppresses free-radical generation and reduces excitatory amino-acid release, conferring antioxidant and neuroprotective effects; enhances mitochondrial energy metabolism; and inhibits apoptosis, thereby supporting neuronal survival and functional maintenance.
Reference
Gareri P, Cotroneo AM, Montella R, et al. Citicoline: a cholinergic precursor with a pivotal role in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2024;100(2):725-733.
*Special note - This article is for informational purposes only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. It should not be regarded as a recommendation or proof of efficacy of the medical products involved. If it involves disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, please be sure to go to a professional medical institution to seek professional advice.
by GSHWORLD
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