Jack Fogarty

INTRODUCTION This study primarily aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SaiLuoTong (SLT) on cognition in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS Community-dwelling people with MCI aged ≥60 years were randomly assigned to 180 mg/day SLT or placebo for 12 weeks. RESULTS Thirty-nine participants were randomized to each group (N = 78); 65 were included in the final analysis. After 12 weeks, the between-groups difference in Logical Memory delayed recall scores was 1.40 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22 to 2.58; P = 0.010); Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System Trail Making Test Condition 4 switching and contrast scaled scores were 1.42 (95% CI: –0.15 to 2.99; P = 0.038) and 1.56 (95% CI: –0.09 to 3.20; P = 0.032), respectively; Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test delayed recall was 1.37 (95% CI: –0.10 to 2.84; P = 0.034); and Functional Activities Questionnaire was 1.21 (95% CI: –0.21 to 2.63; P = 0.047; P < 0.001 after controlling for baseline scores). DISCUSSION SLT is well tolerated and may be useful in supporting aspects of memory retrieval and executive function in people with MCI. Highlights SaiLuoTong (SLT) improves delayed memory retrieval and executive function in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). SLT is well tolerated in people ≥ 60 years. The sample of community dwellers with MCI was well characterized and homogeneous.