Topographic brain mapping of EEG after acute application of ergotalkaloids in the elderly

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study the encephalotropic and nootropic effects of single doses of two ergotalkaloids (30 and 60 mg nicergoline and 5 mg co-dergocrine mesylate (CDM)) were investigated in 12 elderly subjects (mean age 67 years), utilizing topographic brain mapping of the EEG. Evaluation of EEG, memory, pulse and blood pressure were carried out at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h. Topographic brain maps demonstrated an augmentation of total power, an acceleration of the centroid of the total activity, a decrease of delta/theta and an increase of beta activity (mostly in the alpha-adjacent frequency bands), as well as an acceleration of the centroid of the delta/theta and a slowing of the beta centroid. These changes are indicative of improvement in vigilance of elderly subjects after ergotalkaloids, which was also reflected in the significant improvement of memory after nicergoline. Topographically, the main effect was found over the frontal, central and temporal regions. Timewise, the pharmacodynamic peak fell into the 4th h, although with 60 mg significant encephalotropic effects could be observed in the 2nd and in the 6th h. The drugs were well tolerated.