NOOTROPIC DRUGS AND LEARNING-DISORDERS - A PARALLEL NEUROPSYCHOLOGIC AND ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIC STUDY

Learning disorders' frequency is relatively high in the school population. In last years several drugs have been proposed, in particular nootropics drugs. Fifteen children (ages 8 years and 2 months to 14 years and 3 months) with learning disabilities were enrolled in this study. They were randomly and blindly assigned to receive either placebo or oxiracetam (30 mg/kg/day) for 6 months. At the beginning and end of the study neuropsychological and electrophysiological tests were administered. There were no statistically significant differences between placebo and oxiracetam treatment groups with regard to neuropsychological performances and electrophysiological characteristics. Only a small number of subjects (3 patients of oxiracetam treated group and 1 patient of placebo treated group) had significant improvement of cognitive functions and results of electrophysiological features.