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Regain of visuospatial capacity after coenzyme Q10 in a patient with mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes: a case report

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 June 2014

Che-Sheng Chu ,
Chin-Liang Chu ,
Hong-Ern Liu  and
Ti Lu
Che-Sheng Chu
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Chin-Liang Chu
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Hong-Ern Liu
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Ti Lu*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
*
Ti Lu, Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, No. 386, Ta-Chung1st Road, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan. Tel: +88673422121x7093; Fax: +88673468346; E-mail: youngtzuchi@hotmail.com
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Abstract

Objective: MELAS (mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by mitochondrial dysfunction. Multiple systems of the body, including cognitive function and heart conduction, can be affected by this disorder. We report a case with global cognitive impairment.

Method: A single-case report.

Results: The patient got improved cognitive function, especially visuospatial function, under coenzyme Q10 treatment.

Conclusion: First, coenzyme Q10 may give some benefit to control MELAS. Second, cognitive functions and intellectual abilities decline with disease progression. Routine neuropsychological tests should be performed.

Keywords

coenzyme Q10cognitive functionmitochondrial myopathyencephalopathylactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes
Type
Case Reports
Information
Acta Neuropsychiatrica , Volume 24 , Issue 3 , June 2012 , pp. 186 - 188
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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