Reduction of Hippocampal Hyperactivity Improves Cognition in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment

Arnold Bakker, Gregory L. Krauss, Marilyn S. Albert, Caroline L. Speck, Lauren R. Jones, Craig E. Stark, Michael A. Yassa, Susan S. Bassett, Amy L. Shelton, Michela Gallagher

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

486 Scopus citations

Abstract

Elevated hippocampal activation is observed in conditions that confer risk for Alzheimer's disease, including amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Studies in relevant animal models have indicated that overactivity in selective hippocampal circuits contributes to cognitive impairment. Here, we tested the effect of reducing hippocampal activation in aMCI. Under placebo treatment, hippocampal activation in the dentate gyrus/CA3 was elevated in aMCI patients compared to a healthy control group. By using a low dose of the antiepileptic levetiracetam hippocampal activation in aMCI was reduced to a level that did not differ from the control group. Compared to aMCI memory performance under placebo, performance in the scanning task was significantly improved under drug treatment. Contrary to the view that greater hippocampal activation might serve a beneficial function, these results support the view that increased hippocampal activation in aMCI is a dysfunctional condition and that targeting excess hippocampal activity has therapeutic potential.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)467-474
Number of pages8
JournalNeuron
Volume74
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 10 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuroscience(all)

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