Cognitive Effects of Montelukast: A Pharmaco-EEG Study

Brain Sci., 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11050547 · Published: April 27, 2021

Simple Explanation

Montelukast, a common asthma drug, has shown potential cognitive benefits due to its anti-inflammatory effects on the brain. This study aimed to directly observe how montelukast affects brain activity in humans using EEG recordings. The study involved 12 asthma patients who underwent EEG and neuropsychological tests before and after an 8-week montelukast treatment. The tests assessed memory, attention, and mood. The results showed no significant improvement in cognitive functions based on neuropsychological tests. However, EEG readings indicated some changes in brain activity, suggesting a possible neurological impact from the drug that wasn't reflected in cognitive performance.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

12 asthma-patients aged 38–73 years

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
No significant changes were observed in neuropsychological scales for memory, attention, and mood following montelukast treatment.
2
EEG analysis revealed decreased entropy during rest and episodic memory acquisition after montelukast treatment.
3
An increase in gamma power and a slowing of the background rhythm were detected during visual attention performance under montelukast.

Research Summary

This study investigated the cognitive and electrophysiological effects of montelukast in asthma patients, finding no significant cognitive improvements but identifying changes in EEG patterns. EEG results showed decreased entropy during rest and episodic memory tasks, and changes in gamma power and background rhythm during attention tasks, suggesting montelukast impacts brain activity. The absence of cognitive improvements alongside EEG changes suggests that montelukast's neurological effects may not directly translate to enhanced cognitive performance in this population.

Practical Implications

Further Research

Future studies should explore the effects of montelukast in elderly patients with pre-existing cognitive impairments to better understand its potential cognitive benefits.

Dosage and Duration

Longer treatment periods and varying drug doses should be investigated in placebo-controlled trials to determine optimal dosage and treatment duration for cognitive effects.

Methodological Refinement

Future studies should incorporate blinding and control for asthma improvement as a potential confounder to enhance the reliability and validity of the results.

Cognitive Effects of Montelukast: A Pharmaco-EEG Study

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Further Research

Dosage and Duration

Methodological Refinement

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Cognitive Effects of Montelukast: A Pharmaco-EEG Study

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Further Research

Dosage and Duration

Methodological Refinement

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?