A New Chemotherapeutic Investigation: Piracetam Effects on Dyslexia

Piracetam, a new drug which is thought to enhance learning and memory consolidation, was given in a 3300 mg daily dose to half of a group of fifty-five (55) dyslexic boys aged eight to thirteen years in a twelve week, double-blind, placebo controlled study. All subjects met stringent criteria, including: normal intelligence, normal educational opportunities, no severe emotional problems, no neurological handicaps, good physical health, not taking other psychotropic medication, and scoring at least 1½ years below their mental age equivalent on the Gilmore Oral Reading Test. The children's perceptual, language, and memory skills were examined and their reading, spelling, and writing abilities were measured using standardized instruments. Compared to the placebo control group, individuals treated with Piracetam showed statistically significant improvements above their baseline scores on measures of effective reading accuracy and comprehension, reading speed, and writing accuracy. The medication was extremely well tolerated, and all medical examinations showed no untoward effects. These results encourage further study of Piracetam's potential as an adjunct for the clinical remediation of dyslexia.