Augmented cognitive training

Abstract

The present invention provides methods of treating cognitive deficits associated with mental retardation. The methods comprise combining cognitive training protocols and a general administration of phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of treating a cognitive deficit associated with mental retardation in an animal in need of said treatment comprising the steps of: 
 a) administering to said animal a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor; and    b) training said animal under conditions sufficient to produce an improvement in performance by said animal of a cognitive task whose deficit is associated with mental retardation,    whereby said cognitive deficit is treated.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a performance gain is achieved relative to the performance of said cognitive task achieved by training alone.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said mental retardation is associated with a disorder selected from the group consisting of: Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, Down syndrome, Angelman syndrome, neurofibromatosis, Coffin-Lowry syndrome, Rett syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, fragile X-1 syndrome, fragile X-2 syndrome and William's syndrome.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein in step (b), training comprises multiple training sessions.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor is administered before and during each training session.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor is administered after each training session.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said animal is a mammal.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said mammal is a human.  
     
     
         9 . A method of treating a cognitive deficit associated with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome in an animal in need of said treatment comprising the steps of: 
 a) administering to said animal a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor; and    b) training said animal under conditions sufficient to produce an improvement in performance by said animal of a cognitive task whose deficit is associated with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome,    whereby said cognitive deficit is treated.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein a performance gain is achieved relative to the performance of said cognitive task achieved by training alone.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein in step b), training comprises multiple training sessions.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor is administered before and during each training session.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor is administered after each training session.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of: rolipram and HT0712.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said animal is a mammal.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said mammal is a human.