After many years of animal research, in which we found that inhibition of the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) improved memory in animals, we now find first evidence that this mechanism also works in humans.

In this study, we tested how many words older participants (aged between 60 and 85 years old) could remember from a list of 30 words. Utilizing a double-blind placebo controlled design, we found that roflumilast (a PDE4 drug) improved participant’s memory performance by 2 words.

To find a drug that can improve memory in elderly people, or people in their early stages of dementia, is very encouraging, and warrants future research.

Read the full publication here.

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