Synergistic enhancement of cognitive ability

Abstract

The present invention relates to the combination of a methylxanthine and a carbonic anhydrase activator to provide synergistic effects. The invention further relates to the improved/enhanced cognitive ability of individuals, particularly those suffering from various disorders, such as Alzheimer's Disease, stroke, hypoxia, general dementia, ADHD, mental retardation, and “sun down” syndrome.

1 . A method for enhancing cognitive ability comprising administering to a subject a combination of a methylxanthine and a carbonic anhydrase activator in an amount effective to enhance cognitive ability of said subject in a pharmaceutically suitable carrier.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said carbonic anhydrase activator is phenylalanine, imidazole, dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, histamine, histidine, or 5-HT.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said carbonic anhydrase activator is phenylalanine.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said methylxanthine is theophylline or caffeine.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cognitive ability enhanced is learning, memory, or attention.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject is a human  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject is non-human.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said effective amount of said combination is an amount to treat cognitive impairment of a neurological condition or disorder.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said neurological condition is Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, “sun down” syndrome, hypoxia, ischeamic stroke, mental retardation, stroke, general dementia, multi-infarct dementia, the Lewy-body variant of Alzheimer's disease with or without association with Parkinson's disease, Creutzfeld-Jakob disease, or Korsakow's disorder.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said disorder is age-associated, is consequent upon electro-convulsive therapy or is the result of brain damage.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said brain damage is caused by stroke, an anesthetic accident, head trauma, hypoglycemia, carbon monoxide poisoning, lithium intoxication or a vitamin deficiency.  
     
     
         12 . A method for treating a subject with Alzheimer's Disease comprising administering to said subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a combination of a methylxanthine and a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.  
     
     
         13 . A method for treating a subject with Alzheimer's Disease comprising administering to said subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a combination of theophylline and phenylalanine.  
     
     
         14 . A method for enhancing cognitive ability of a subject comprising administering to said subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a combination of a methylxanthine and a carbonic anhydrase activator.  
     
     
         15 . A method for enhancing cognitive ability of a subject comprising administering to said subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a combination of theophylline and phenylalanine.  
     
     
         16 . A method for treating hypoxia comprising administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a combination of a methylxanthine and a carbonic anhydrase activator.  
     
     
         17 . A method for treating hypoxia comprising administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a combination of theophylline and phenylalanine.  
     
     
         18 . A method for providing a neuroprotective effect for cells which suffer from a hypoxic event comprising administering to a subject in need of such effect a pharmaceutically effective amount of a combination of a methylxanthine and a carbonic anhydrase activator.  
     
     
         19 . A method for providing a neuroprotective effect for cells which suffer from a hypoxic event comprising administering to a subject in need of such effect a pharmaceutically effective amount of a combination of theophylline and phenylalanine.  
     
     
         20 . A composition comprising a combination of a methylxanthine and a carbonic anhydrase activator in an amount effective to enhance cognitive ability, and a pharmaceutically effective carrier.  
     
     
         21 . The composition of  claim 20 , wherein said carbonic anhydrase activator is phenylalanine, imidazole, dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, histamine, histidine, or 5-HT.  
     
     
         22 . The composition of  claim 20 , wherein said methylxanthine is theophylline or caffeine.