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Exploring how levetiracetam mitigates toxicity and ameliorates memory impairment
Ahmad H Alhowail1, Abeer M Alharbi1
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
|September 29, 2025
Summary
Levetiracetam (LEV), an antiepileptic drug, shows promise in mitigating cognitive impairment by reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm its efficacy beyond epilepsy treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cognitive impairment affects daily functioning and quality of life, ranging from mild decline to severe dementia.
- It disproportionately impacts older adults and cancer survivors.
- Pathophysiological mechanisms include neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, disrupted synaptic plasticity, and neuronal apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current knowledge on cognitive impairment mechanisms.
- To evaluate existing measurement and prevention strategies and their limitations.
- To critically examine the potential efficacy of levetiracetam (LEV) in mitigating cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing existing clinical and experimental data.
- Analysis of LEV's mechanism of action, including synaptic vesicle protein 2A binding.
- Evaluation of LEV's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Main Results:
- LEV demonstrates neuroprotective potential through selective binding to synaptic vesicle protein 2A and neurotransmitter modulation.
- LEV exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Current evidence suggests LEV may attenuate cognitive impairment.
Conclusions:
- LEV is a promising therapeutic candidate for cognitive impairment beyond its antiepileptic uses.
- Its neuroprotective effects are linked to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.
- Further clinical research is essential to validate LEV's efficacy in treating cognitive decline.
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