Novel Compounds

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for use of phenyl sulfone compounds of formula (I) in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and age related cognitive decline.

1 . A method of treating Alzheimer's disease which comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the following formula, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a patient in need thereof: 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     wherein:
 R 1  and R 2  independently represent hydrogen or C 1-6  alkyl; 
 R 3  independently represents hydrogen or halogen; 
 m and n both represent 1; and 
 p represents 1 or 2. 
 
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said compound is: 
     1-(3-Phenylsulfonyl-phenyl)piperazine; 
     1-(3-Phenylsulfonyl-2-chlorophenyl)piperazine; or 
     1-(5-Phenylsulfonyl-2-chlorophenyl)piperazine; 
     or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
   
   
       3 . A method of treating Alzheimer's disease according to  claim 1  which comprises administering a pharmaceutical composition which comprises the compound or salt as defined in  claim 1  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. 
   
   
       4 . A method of treating age related cognitive decline which comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the following formula, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a patient in need thereof: 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     wherein:
 R 1  and R 2  independently represent hydrogen or C 1-6  alkyl; 
 R 3  independently represents hydrogen or halogen; 
 m and n both represent 1; and 
 p represents 1 or 2. 
 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein said compound is: 
     1-(3-Phenylsulfonyl-phenyl)piperazine; 
     1-(3-Phenylsulfonyl-2-chlorophenyl)piperazine; or 
     1-(5-Phenylsulfonyl-2-chlorophenyl)piperazine; 
     or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
   
   
       6 . A method of treating age related cognitive decline according to  claim 4  which comprises administering a pharmaceutical composition which comprises the compound or salt as defined in  claim 4  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.