Methods and compositions for improving cognitive function

Abstract

This invention relates to treating age-related cognitive impairment. This invention in particular relates to the use of inhibitors of synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), such as levetiracetam, seletracetam, and brivaracetam, in improving cognitive function in subjects that exhibit age-related cognitive impairment or are at risk thereof, including, without limitation, subjects having or at risk for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Age-related Cognitive Decline (ARCD) or Age-Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI).

1 . A method for treating age-related cognitive impairment in a subject in need or at risk thereof, or for delaying or slowing the progression of cognitive impairment in a subject suffering from or at risk for age-related cognitive impairment, or for reducing the rate of decline of cognitive function in a subject suffering from or at risk for age-related cognitive impairment, the method comprising the step of administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the SV2A inhibitor or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is selected from the group of SV2A inhibitors referred to in International Patent Application WO 2001/062726, International Patent Application WO 2002/094787, International Patent Application WO 2004/087658, U.S. Pat. No. 7,244,747, International Patent Application WO 2007/065595, US Patent Application 2008/0081832, International Patent Application WO 2006/128692, International Patent Application WO 2006/128693, UK Patent No. 1,039,113, and UK Patent No. 1,309,692. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the SV2A inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of levetiracetam, seletracetam, and brivaracetam or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the SV2A inhibitor is levetiracetam or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the SV2A inhibitor is brivaracetam or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the SV2A inhibitor or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered at a daily dose of 0.1 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg, 0.1-0.2 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg to 2.5 mg/kg, 0.1-2.5 mg/kg, 0.4-2.5 mg/kg, 0.6-1.8 mg/kg, 0.04-2.5 mg/kg, 0.06-1.8 mg/kg, or 7-350 mg. 
     
     
         7 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A pharmaceutical composition for improving cognitive function in a subject with age-related cognitive impairment or at risk thereof, the composition comprising a SV2A inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, the SV2A inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof being present in an amount of 5-140 mg, or 0.7-180 mg, or 7-350 mg. 
     
     
         25 - 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the levetiracetam is administered at a daily dose of 1-2 mg/kg, 70-150 mg, 0.1-2.5 mg/kg, 7-180 mg, 0.4-2.5 mg/kg, 25-180 mg, 0.6-1.8 mg/kg, 40-130 mg, 0.1-5 mg/kg, or 7-350 mg. 
     
     
         30 - 37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the brivaracetam is administered at a daily dose of 0.1-0.2 mg/kg, 7-15 mg, 0.01-2.5 mg/kg, 0.7-180 mg, 0.04-2.5 mg/kg, 2.5-180 mg, 0.06-1.8 mg/kg, or 4.0-130 mg. 
     
     
         39 - 45 . (canceled) 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the SV2A inhibitor is seletracetam or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the SV2A inhibitor or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered once or twice daily. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the effect of the treatment, or the progression of the cognitive impairment, or the rate of decline of cognitive function is measured by the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale. 
     
     
         49 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 24 , wherein the SV2A inhibitor or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is formulated for extended release.