NMDA-enhancing Agent for the Treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment

NMDA neurotransmission plays an important role in learning and memory. NMDA receptors were found to decrease in the frontal lobe and hippocampus of mild cognitive impairment. This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled drug trial. All subjects will be allocated randomly to 2 groups: (1) NMDA-enhancer: DAOIB group (starting dose: 250-500 mg/d); (2) placebo group. The study period is 24 weeks. The investigators hypothesize that DAOIB may yield better efficacy than placebo for cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment
• MMSE between 17-26
• CDR 0.5

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hachinski Ischemic Score > 4
• Substance abuse/dependence
• Parkinson disease, epilepsy, dementia with psychotic features
• Major depressive disorder
• Major physical illnesses
• Severe visual or hearing impairment