Study Reveals : Alzheimer's Drugs Also Treat Behavioral, Psych Problems

STUDY REVEALS : ALZHEIMER'S DRUGS ALSO TREAT BEHAVIORAL, PSYCH PROBLEMS

Drugs used to treat Alzheimer's patients' cognitive symptoms are also a safe and effective therapy for behavioral and psychological symptoms such as aggression, wandering and paranoia, according to a study by U.S. Researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine, published in the December issue of Clinical Interventions in Aging.

They reviewed nine studies that examined the effectiveness of three popular cholinesterase inhibitors in managing Alzheimer's patients' behavioral and psychological symptoms, and found the drugs were effective at the same dosage used to improve cognitive impairment.

About 90 percent of Alzheimer's patients have behavioral and psychological symptoms.

Cholinesterase inhibitors boost levels of a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which assists memory, thought and judgment.

There is a need for safe alternatives to the antipsychotic drugs currently used to manage the behavioral and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The results of the studies analyzed are encouraging and suggestive that cholinesterase inhibitors are safe and effective alternatives.

However, cholinesterase inhibitors are underutilized and typically prescribed for less than three months and for less than 10 percent of patients with Alzheimer's disease.  The research study might provide Clinicians with useful data to justify the appropriate use of these medications. 

The News Release reported this class of medications has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to manage symptoms of Alzheimer's type dementia, although the potential benefits on behavioral symptoms are not frequently identified by many prescribers.  The use of cholinesterase inhibitors could reduce the use of more harmful medications that are needed to control (dementia-related) behaviors.