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Catecholamines and memory: Enhanced verbal learning during l-DOPA administration

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Abstract

Verbal learning was measured during the administration of l-DOPA in large oral doses to depressed patients. Longer-term memory on two different tasks improved during treatment, while short-term memory (immediate recall) was unaffected. In contrast, the catecholamine synthesis inhibitor α-methyl-p-tyrosine did not alter either memory process.

The effects of l-DOPA on learning may be related to increased arousal produced by this drug.

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Murphy, D.L., Henry, G.M. & Weingartner, H. Catecholamines and memory: Enhanced verbal learning during l-DOPA administration. Psychopharmacologia 27, 319–326 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00429385

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