L-amphetamine improves memory in MS patients with objective memory impairment

Sumowski JF, et al Mult Scler. 2011 May 11. [Epub ahead of print]

Memory impairment is common in PwMS. In this study the investigators examined the effect of L-amphetamine on auditory/verbal and visual/spatial memory. L-amphetamine improved memory (48.5%) more than placebo (1%); importantly this effect was specific to patients with baseline memory impairment.

"L-amphetamine is an old drug and is handicapped by its potential for abuse, its scheduling and it side effect profile; it causes anxiety, loss of appetite, loss of weight and insomnia. Hopefully this study will lead to follow-on studies to confirm the results. Having a drug to help memory will be very helpful."

COI: None