Clinical studies have demonstrated that bifemelane hydrochloride [4-(o-benzylphenoxy)-N-methylbutylamine hydrochloride] can improve cognitive functions in patients with various types of dementia. To elucidate specific mechanisms which may underlie the clinical benefit, the effects of bifemelane were investigated by means of computerized electroencephalography (EEG), event-related potentials (P300) and psychometry. Eighteen healthy elderly subjects, aged between 60 and 73 years, were included in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Each subject received a single dose of 150 mg bifemelane or placebo with an interval of 1 week in between. EEG and psychometric investigations were carried out before and 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after drug administration, ERP investigations only before and 3 h after drug administration. Descriptive data analysis of the EEG showed that 150 mg bifemelane accelerated the centroid of the total frequency band, induced a significant reduction of the absolute delta + theta power and increased the absolute beta power most markedly 6 h after drug intake. Topographic analyses of ERP amplitudes showed that bifemelane did not effect ERP amplitudes. While N1, P2 and NZ latencies were not changed after bifemelane, P300 latency was shortened significantly. Psychometric investigations did not show significant or consistent effects on noopsychic and thymopsychic functions. In conclusion, bifemelane affected EEG in the sense of improved vigilance. The reduction of P300 latency may be interpreted as accelerated stimulus evaluation time, therefore indicating a beneficial effect of bifemelane on cognition at this stage of information processing.
