A group of 38 elderly (60-80 year) deficient drivers were examined with regard to their driving ability. Their lane-tracking performance during highway driving was measured in real traffic. Their postural stability was also measured. They were given a daily dose of 4.8 g piracetam or placebo over two separate four-week periods in a double-blind, placebo-controlled. cross-over study. Overall, driving performance did not change under the influence of piracetam, although there was a trend towards improvement after 4 weeks of treatment. Postural stability improved during piracetam treatment. A longer treatment period might provide more insight into the hypothesized performance enhancing effects of piracetam. Given the scrutiny with which deficient performers on the driving tests were selected, the results were considered disappointing. (A)
Abstract