Growth hormone-releasing hormone effects on brain γ-aminobutyric acid levels in mild cognitive impairment and healthy aging.

Importance: Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) has been previously shown to have cognition-enhancing effects. The role of neurotransmitter changes, measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, may inform the mechanisms for this response.

Objective: To examine the neurochemical effects of GHRH in a subset of participants from the parent trial.

Effects of growth hormone–releasing hormone on cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults: results of a controlled trial.

Background: Growth hormone–releasing hormone(GHRH), growth hormone, and insulin like growth factor 1 have potent effects on brain function, their levels decrease with advancing age, and they likely play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. Previously, we reported favorable cognitive effects of short-term GHRH administration in healthy older adults and provided preliminary evidence to suggest a similar benefit in adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Objective: To examine the effects of GHRH on cognitive function in healthy older adults and in adults with MCI.

Pharmacokinetics of valerenic acid after single and multiple doses of valerian in older women.

Insomnia is a commonly reported clinical problem with as many as 50% of older adults reporting difficulty in falling and/or remaining asleep. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a commonly used herb that has been advocated for promoting sleep. Valerenic acid is used as a marker for quantitative analysis of valerian products with evidence of pharmacological activity relevant to the hypnotic effects of valerian.

A randomized clinical trial of valerian fails to improve self-reported, polysomnographic, and actigraphic sleep in older women with insomnia.

Objective: To test the effects of nightly valerian (Valeriana officinalis) extract to improve sleep of older women with insomnia.

Methods: Participants in this phase 2 randomized, double-blind, crossover controlled trial were 16 older women (mean age=69.4+/-8.

Diet-induced weight loss is associated with an improvement in beta-cell function in older men.

Although weight loss in older subjects has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, it is unclear what effect this lifestyle intervention has on beta-cell function. To determine whether diet-induced weight loss can improve beta-cell function in older subjects, we studied 19 healthy male subjects (age, 65.4 +/- 0.