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An already registered antidepressant, duloxetine, may also have positive effects on memory and cognitive functions in the elderly. A new study shows that duloxetine, in addition to treating depression, also inhibits an enzyme involved in the regulation of the nervous system that affects memory and cognition. This could potentially prevent the development of dementia diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease. "Both depression and cognitive impairment often occur simultaneously in elderly individuals, particularly those in the early stages of a dementia disease," says Taher Darreh-Shori. "The discovery that duloxetine can have a dual effect is very promising." "This has been an unexpected discovery...

Neuron With Extensions and Microglia Cells Neuron with extensions (blue) and microglia cells (red) interacting with synapses. Credit: Y. Shi and M. Cui ======================================================================== Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use Attacks Synapses LMU scientists have discovered the means by which the long-term taking of benzodiazepines leads to cognitive impairments. Benzodiazepines are effective and widely used drugs for treating states of anxiety and sleep disorders. While short-term treatments are considered safe, their long-term intake can lead to physical dependence and, particularly in the case of older people, to cognitive impairments. The mechanisms by which benzodiazepines trigger these changes had previously been unknown. Researchers led...