A double-blind, intra-individual cross-over comparison of the mental performance of 18 aging, non-deteriorated individuals during two 4-week periods of piracetam and placebo administration was performed using conventional and computerized perceptual-motor tasks. In a majority ofthese tasks the subjects did significantly better when on piracetam than on placebo, a finding consistent with ratings completed by two independent observers. The findings–indicate new avenues for the treatment of individuals with reduced mental performance possibly related to disturbed