A drug that increases histamine levels in the brain can enhance memory retrieval by around 10 per cent, according to a small study. Researchers tested the narcolepsy treatment pitolisant on volunteers and found improved brain connectivity and accuracy.
The study involved 60 participants who received either pitolisant or a placebo. Those given the drug showed stronger connections between histamine-producing brain areas and the hippocampus during memory tasks.
Participants on pitolisant performed 11 per cent better at recalling information learned in an MRI scanner. Michael Colwell of the University of Oxford said the drug appears to heighten alertness to new stimuli.
Experts caution against using pitolisant as a cognitive enhancer. It may disrupt sleep, which could harm long-term memory, Colwell noted.
The findings were published in Nature Communications and confirm results seen in animal studies. They could inform future treatments for brain conditions involving histamine receptors.
