Cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease
Abstract Background Since the introduction of the first cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) in 1997, most clinicians and probably most patients would consider the cholinergic drugs, donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine, to be the first line pharmacotherapy for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The drugs have slightly different pharmacological properties, but they all work by inhibiting the breakdown […]
Galantamine for vascular cognitive impairment
Abstract Background Vascular dementia represents the second most common type of dementia after that caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Particularly in older patients, the combination of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is common and is referred to as mixed dementia. The classification of vascular dementia broadly follows three clinico-pathological processes: multi-infarct dementia, single strategic infarct dementia […]
Galantamine for Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment
Abstract Background Galantamine is a specific, competitive, and reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Objectives To assess the clinical effects of galantamine in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), probable or possible Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and potential moderators of effect. Search methods The trials were identified from a search of the Specialized Register of the Cochrane Dementia and […]
Donepezil for dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease
Abstract Background Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in older people. One of the aims of therapy is to inhibit the breakdown of a chemical neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, by blocking the relevant enzyme. This can be done by a group of chemicals known as cholinesterase inhibitors. Objectives The objective of this review is […]
Atypical antipsychotics for aggression and psychosis in Alzheimer’s disease
Abstract Background Aggression, agitation or psychosis occur in the majority of people with dementia at some point in the illness. There have been a number of trials of atypical antipsychotics to treat these symptoms over the last five years, and a systematic review is needed to evaluate the evidence in a balanced way. Objectives To […]
Melatonin for the treatment of dementia
Abstract Background There are a number of studies that suggest a relationship between decline of melatonin function and the symptoms of dementia. Objectives The review assessed the evidence of clinical effectiveness of melatonin in the treatment of symptoms of dementia. Relevant primary outcomes were cognition, mood, behaviour, functions of daily living, and safety of melatonin […]
Cytidinediphosphocholine (CDP-choline) for cognitive and behavioural disturbances associated with chronic cerebral disorders in the elderly
Abstract Background CDP-choline (cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine) is a precursor essential for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, one of the cell membrane components that is degraded during cerebral ischaemia to free fatty acids and free radicals. Animal studies suggest that CDP-choline may protect cell membranes by accelerating resynthesis of phospholipids. CDP-choline may also attenuate the progression of ischaemic […]
Reminiscence therapy for dementia
Abstract Background Reminiscence Therapy (RT) involves the discussion of past activities, events and experiences with another person or group of people, usually with the aid of tangible prompts such as photographs, household and other familiar items from the past, music and archive sound recordings. Reminiscence groups typically involve group meetings in which participants are encouraged […]
Zhiling decoction for vascular dementia
Abstract Background Zhiling decoction has a fixed composition of 15 Chinese herbs. The properties of each of these herbs and in combination provide the therapeutic rationale for a possible action of Zhiling decoction in dilating cerebral vessels and increasing cerebral blood flow, as well as reducing serum cholesterol. Thus the aim of this review is […]
Velnacrine for Alzheimer’s disease
Abstract Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the commonest cause of dementia affecting older people. One of the therapeutic strategies aimed at ameliorating the clinical manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease is to enhance cholinergic neurotransmission in relevant parts of the brain by the use of cholinesterase inhibitors to delay the breakdown of acetylcholine released into synaptic clefts. […]