Letter to the Editor

L-carnitine Reduces Severity of Physical and Mental Fatigue and Improves Daily Activities in the Elderly

Authors: Mariano Malaguarnera, AP, Antonino Di Mauro, MD, Pia Maria Gargante, MD, Liborio Rampello, AP

Abstract

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disabling illness that afflicts the elderly and influences their daily activities.1 The evaluation and treatment of fatigue has been fraught with frustration and oftentimes, a sense of failure. Patients diagnosed with fatigue are often disappointed when advised to merely, “get more rest.”

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Pistone G, Marino A, Leotta C, et al. Levocarnitine administration in elderlysubjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profileand fatigue. Drugs Aging 2003;20:761–767.
 
2. Rebouche CJ, Seim H. Carnitine metabolism and its regulation in microorganism and mammals.Annu Rev Nutr 1998;18:39–61.
 
3. Wessely S, Powell R. Fatigue syndromes: a comparison of chronic postviral fatigue with neuromuscular and affective disorders. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1989;52:940–948.
 
4. Krupp LB, LaRocca NG, Muir-Nash J, et al. The fatigue severity scale: application to patients with multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Arch Neurol 1989;46:1121–1123.
 
5. Katz S, Downs TD, Cash HR, et al. Progress in development of the index of ADL. Gerontologist1970;10:20–30.
 
6. Lawton MP, Brody EM. Assessment of older people: self-maintaining and instrumental activities of daily living. Gerontologist 1969;9:179–186.
 
7. Neri S, Pistone G, Saraceno B, et al. L-carnitine decreases severity and type of fatigue induced by interferon-alpha in the treatment of patients with hepatitis C. Neuropsychobiology 2003;47:94–97.
 
8. Plioplys AV, Plioplys S. Amantadine and L-carnitine treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.Neuropsycobiology 1997;35:16–23.
 
9. Tomassini V, Pozzilli C, Onesti E, et al. Comparison of the effects of acetyl L-carnitine and amantadine for the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: results of a pilot, randomised, double-blind, crossover trial. J Neurol Sci 2004;218:103–108.