SMART: Somatotrophics, Memory, and Aging Research Trial

Summary

The purpose of the SMART study was to better understand whether the body's own production of growth hormone (GH) would improve memory and problem solving ability, or cognitive function. The study was a double blind, placebo-controlled study of the cognitive effects of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) in healthy older men and women and in those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Timeline

Start

2006-02

Primary completion

2011-12

Completion

2011-12

Outcome

Met primary endpoint

paper The intent-to-treat analysis indicated a favorable effect of GHRH on cognition (P=.03), which was comparable in adults with MCI and healthy older adults. PMID 22869065 ↗

Publications

• Background Merriam GR, Schwartz RS, Vitiello MV. Growth hormone-releasing hormone and growth hormone secretagogues in normal aging. Endocrine. 2003 Oct;22(1):41-8. doi: 10.1385/ENDO:22:1:41.
• Background Vitiello MV, Moe KE, Merriam GR, Mazzoni G, Buchner DH, Schwartz RS. Growth hormone releasing hormone improves the cognition of healthy older adults. Neurobiol Aging. 2006 Feb;27(2):318-23. doi: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2005.01.010. Epub 2005 Mar 23.
• Friedman SD, Baker LD, Borson S, Jensen JE, Barsness SM, Craft S, Merriam GR, Otto RK, Novotny EJ, Vitiello MV. Growth hormone-releasing hormone effects on brain gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in mild cognitive impairment and healthy aging. JAMA Neurol. 2013 Jul;70(7):883-90. doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.1425.
• Baker LD, Barsness SM, Borson S, Merriam GR, Friedman SD, Craft S, Vitiello MV. Effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone on cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults: results of a controlled trial. Arch Neurol. 2012 Nov;69(11):1420-9. doi: 10.1001/archneurol.2012.1970.

Drugs

Indications