Vortioxetine with cognitive training may prevent age-related cognitive decline

The combination of cognitive training and vortioxetine therapy appears to be effective in stemming age-related cognitive decline in older adults, suggests a recent study.

“Computerized cognitive training has been shown to provide consistent albeit modest improvements in cognitive function as measured by neuropsychological testing,” the authors said. On the other hand, vortioxetine is an antidepressant medication that possesses putative procognitive and proneuroplastic properties which may aid in augmenting cognitive training.

One hundred participants were randomized to receive either vortioxetine or placebo in addition to cognitive training for 26 weeks after a 2-week lead-in period of cognitive training. Global cognitive performance, assessed by the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery Fluid Cognition Composite, was the primary outcome measure, while functional cognition, assessed by the UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment, served as secondary outcome measure.

In addition, adherence to the training was improved by providing motivational messaging and support to all participants.

The increase in global cognitive performance was greater among participants who received vortioxetine with cognitive training than those who were treated with placebo plus cognitive training. The separation was significant at week 12, but this did not persist at other assessment time points. In terms of functional cognition, both the vortioxetine and placebo groups demonstrated improvements. No significant between-group difference was observed.

These results offer new treatment directions in dealing with cognitive decline among older adults, according to the authors.

“Age-related cognitive decline, the deterioration in functions such as memory and executive function, is faced by most older adults and affects function and quality of life,” they said. “No approved treatments exist for age-related cognitive decline.”