Developmental dyslexia and the nootropic concept†

† This paper is an adaptation of “The Nootropic Concept and Dyslexia”, published in Annals of Dyslexia, 1986, and reprinted with permission.

Requests for reprints to C.R. Wilsher, UCB #opPharma#cp Ltd., Star House, 69 Clarendon Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD1 1DJ.

I would like to acknowledge the support of this work by UCB s.a. #opBelgium#cp; and the proof-reading and typing of Mrs. Jenny Taylor.

Abstract

A review is presented of controlled studies using intensive teaching intervention to improve dyslexics’ reading ability. The results of eight such studies reveal only one showing the superiority of teaching over other methods. With this background, the work on nootropics is reviewed. Both animal and clinical work with piracetam #opthe first of the nootropics#cp seems to indicate that this medication lacks significant or serious adverse effects and appears to improve memory and learning. Many double-blind studies of piracetam have now been conducted on dyslexic children, which suggest that piracetam improves their reading ability. In addition electrophysiological studies support the notion that piracetam may be “left hemisphere active.”

† This paper is an adaptation of “The Nootropic Concept and Dyslexia”, published in Annals of Dyslexia, 1986, and reprinted with permission.

Requests for reprints to C.R. Wilsher, UCB #opPharma#cp Ltd., Star House, 69 Clarendon Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD1 1DJ.

I would like to acknowledge the support of this work by UCB s.a. #opBelgium#cp; and the proof-reading and typing of Mrs. Jenny Taylor.

Notes

† This paper is an adaptation of “The Nootropic Concept and Dyslexia”, published in Annals of Dyslexia, 1986, and reprinted with permission.

Requests for reprints to C.R. Wilsher, UCB #opPharma#cp Ltd., Star House, 69 Clarendon Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD1 1DJ.

I would like to acknowledge the support of this work by UCB s.a. #opBelgium#cp; and the proof-reading and typing of Mrs. Jenny Taylor.