Enantiomers of steroids for the enhancement of memory and cognitive function

摘要

The present invention relates to the use of enantiomers of steroids in the restoration of memory loss in humans. The present methods may be used to enhance memory or cognitive function in patients suffering from age-related decline in memory function, from neurological or neuropsychiatric disorders such as cognitive deficits, amnesia or dementia, or from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease. Steroids include, but are not limited to, neurosteroids such as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and structurally related molecules. Of particular interest are steroid enantiomers that are not metabolized by steroid enzymes such as sulfatases, as well as those that do not activate steroid hormone receptors. Such enantiomers possess potentially higher therapeutic efficacy without the classical hormonal effects attributable to these receptors.