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

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.