Memory in subjects with mini-mental state examination of 24-26

Abstract

The invention thus pertains to the use of a composition comprising: (a) uridine or uridine phosphate; and (b) docosahexaenoic acid and / or eicosapentaenoic acid, for improving memory and / or the treatment or prevention of impaired memory function, in a subject with a mini-mental state examination of 24-26, wherein said composition is enterally administered to the subject. In the MMSE test, any score of 27 or higher (out of 30) is effectively normal. In the patients with dementia, 20-26 indicates mild dementia, 10-19 moderate dementia, and below 10 severe dementia. It was the present inventors' belief that within the group of 20-26, the memory impairment in the sub-group of 24-26 may even be reversible, as the pathological pathways have just started to develop. In this group of subjects the pathological pathways have just started to develop. Clinical studies show excellent results for this subgroup.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to the use of a composition for improving memory function, in a subject with a mini-mental state examination of 24-26.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Memory impairment is a serious shortcoming in many humans, particularly those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and / or elderly. Such impairments often have serious consequences, such as reduced quality of life, difficulties in performing the activities of daily living, potentially resulting in hospitalization or institutionalization.[0003]Several treatments have been suggested for the improvement of memory function in subjects. However, very few have been proven effective. Moreover, the administration of several nutritional ingredients has also been suggested.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0004]Nutritional therapy is particularly desired in subjects who have relatively mild symptoms of memory impairment, i.e. subjects with a mini-mental state examination score (MMSE) of 24 to 26. The presen...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]Nutritional therapy is particularly desired in subjects who have relatively mild symptoms of memory impairment, i.e. subjects with a mini-mental state examination score (MMSE) of 24 to 26. The present inventors have recognized that in this particular subgroup memory improvement has enormous effect for the subject activities of daily living and quality of life. This subgroup of subjects is distinct in that the pathological pathways have just started to develop. In the MMSE test, any score of 27 or higher (out of 30) is effectively normal. In the patients with dementia, 20-26 indicates mild dementia, 10-19 moderate dementia, and below 10 severe dementia. It was the present inventors' belief that within the group of 20-26, the memory impairment in the sub-group of 24-26 may even be reversible, as the pathological pathways have just started to develop. It would be highly desired to improve the memory function of this subgroup of subjects, as this may delay the need or reduce the dosage of treatment with pharmaceutical drugs. Moreover, improvements in subjects with a MMSE of 24 to 26 can postpone the need for a subject to be hospitalized or institutionalized, enable a longer independent living, improve the quality of life or improve the ability to perform daily activities.

[0007]It is however particularly difficult to find a (nutritional) composition which effectively improves memory function in the group with a MMSE of 24 to 26 as the pathological pathways have only started to develop and symptoms are very mild. Detecting differences between control and treatment group is particularly difficult, and hence effective treatment requires intensive testing.

Problems solved by technology

Firstly, it comprises those subjects who do not receive medication for memory impairment, i.e. the drug naïve subjects.

It is however particularly difficult to find a (nutritional) composition which effectively improves memory function in the group with a MMSE of 24 to 26 as the pathological pathways have only started to develop and symptoms are very mild.

Detecting differences between control and treatment group is particularly difficult, and hence effective treatment requires intensive testing.