Evaluation of the effects of L-acetylcarnitine on senile patients suffering from depression

Twenty-eight patients aged between 70 and 80 years affected by depressive disturbance as defined by DSM III R (cat. 300.40) were subdivided at random into two homogeneous groups of 14 each. One group was treated with 500 mg three times a day of L-acetylcarnitine (LAC) in tablet form, while the other received placebo. Each patient was evaluated by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Sandoz Clinical Assessment--Geriatric, and by clinical global impression. This investigation establishes that LAC is effective in counteracting symptoms of depression in the elderly. Relief of depressive symptomatology is expressed by decreased scores in the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and Beck Depression Inventory and by beneficial effects with regard to behavioural aspects.