Cerebrolysin

Cerebrolysin, a peptide preparation produced from purified pig brain proteins, may have positive effects on cognitive function in older patients with vascular dementia (VaD), according to a new meta-analysis. Cerebrolysin is a mixture of 80% low-molecular-weight peptides and 20% free amino acids. Various studies have shown that the agent's multiple effects include promotion of neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, and neurogenesis. It is approved in many countries for treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), stroke, and/or traumatic brain injury, although not in the United States. A Cochrane review of Cerebrolysin for stroke published in 2010 concluded there was not enough evidence to evaluate its use in stroke, and a review of its use in AD is underway, the authors note.