Use of gabapentin in the treatment of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia: a review of the evidence

[Clinical guidelines «Cognitive disorders in the elderly and senile persons»]

Clinical guidelines «Cognitive disorders in the elderly and senile persons».

Alzheimer's disease: a comprehensive review of epidemiology, risk factors, symptoms diagnosis, management, caregiving, advanced treatments and associated challenges

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and impaired reasoning. It is the leading cause of dementia in older adults, marked by the pathological accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. These pathological changes lead to widespread neuronal damage, significantly impacting daily functioning and quality of life.

Objective

This comprehensive review aims to explore various aspects of Alzheimer's disease, including its epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic advancements, management strategies, caregiving challenges, and emerging therapeutic interventions.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus, from their inception to May 2024. The search strategy incorporated a combination of keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms such as "Alzheimer's disease," "epidemiology," "risk factors," "symptoms," "diagnosis," "management," "caregiving," "treatment," and "novel therapies." Boolean operators (AND, OR) were used to refine the search, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on Alzheimer's disease.

Results

AD is significantly influenced by genetic predispositions, such as the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele, along with modifiable environmental factors like diet, physical activity, and cognitive engagement. Diagnostic approaches have evolved with advances in neuroimaging techniques (MRI, PET), and biomarker analysis, allowing for earlier detection and intervention. The National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association have updated diagnostic criteria to include biomarker data, enhancing early diagnosis.

Conclusion

The management of AD includes pharmacological treatments, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists, which provide symptomatic relief but do not slow disease progression. Emerging therapies, including amyloid-beta and tau-targeting treatments, gene therapy, and immunotherapy, offer potential for disease modification. The critical role of caregivers is underscored, as they face considerable emotional, physical, and financial burdens. Support programs, communication strategies, and educational interventions are essential for improving caregiving outcomes. While significant advancements have been made in understanding and managing AD, ongoing research is necessary to identify new therapeutic targets and enhance diagnostic and treatment strategies. A holistic approach, integrating clinical, genetic, and environmental factors, is essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges of Alzheimer's disease and improving outcomes for both patients and caregivers.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate pregabalin efficacy in the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Background

Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) are common during Alzheimer's disease and cause severe problems for patients and their caregivers.

Objectives

To assess the therapeutic efficacy of Pregabalin in comparison with a placebo in treating BPSD in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) visiting the memory and cognition clinic of Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital in Tehran, Iran.

Methods

A 12-week double-blind, randomized comparison of Pregabalin and placebo treatments was conducted in 53 patients with DSM-V diagnosis of dementia of Alzheimer's type. They were randomly assigned to receive Pregabalin (doses: 50 titrated up to 300 mg/day) or a placebo. Clinical response was evaluated using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and the Behavioral Pathology in AD Rating Scale (BEHAVE-AD) scores compared with baseline. Side effects were also recorded carefully.

Results

Patients receiving Pregabalin had better outcomes in comparison with patients receiving a placebo regarding both NPI and BEHAVE-AD scores after 12 weeks (p-value = 0.009 for NPI and p-value = 0.003 for BEHAVE-AD). There was also a statistically significant decrease in the treatment group depression sub-score regarding NPI and BEHAVE-AD (respectively, p-value =0.000, 0.003). The caregiver burden sub-score of the NPI test was also lower in patients receiving pregabalin (p-value = 0.000). There was no statistically significant difference between the occurrence of adverse effects between the two groups (p-value = 1.00).

Conclusion

Pregabalin at a dose of 300 mg/day was well tolerated and associated with reductions in the severity and frequency of behavioral symptoms in patients with AD. Pregabalin could be considered a favorable choice for treating BPSD in adults with mild to moderate stages of Alzheimer 's-type dementia, considering its befitting safety profile.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.irct.ir/trial/52750, identifier IRCT20201201049553N1.

The association of gabapentin initiation and neurocognitive changes in older adults with normal cognition

Background: Gabapentin is increasingly prescribed to older adults, which raises concerns about its potential to cause neurocognitive changes. Therefore, we aimed to examine the association of gabapentin use with neurocognitive changes (i.e., cognitive decline, functional status decline, and motor function change) in older adults. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set (UDS; September 2005-March 2021 data freeze). From the eligible sample (≥age 65 years), we identified cognitively normal new-users of gabapentin and the visit they initiated gabapentin (i.e., index visit). Initiators were matched to randomly selected nonusers on year of UDS enrollment and visit number from enrollment to index. Cognitive decline was defined as any increase in the Clinical Dementia Rating global score (CDRGLOB) and as a 1-point increase in CDR sum of boxes (CDR-SB). Functional status decline was defined as a 3-point increase in the sum of the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) and as 0.3-point increase in mean FAQ. Decline in motor function was defined as new clinician reports of gait disorder, falls, and slowness. To mitigate confounding and selection bias, we used joint stabilized inverse probability of treatment weights and stabilized inverse probability of censoring weights. All analyses were conducted comparing index to index+1 and index+2 visits. Results: From the eligible UDS participants (N = 23,059), we included 480 initiators (mean age [SD]: 78.7 [6.9]; male 34.4%); 4,320 nonusers (78.3 [7.0]; 34.4%). Gabapentin initiation was significantly associated with cognitive/functional status decline: worsening CDRGLOB at index+1 visit (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.55 [1.07, 2.25]); CDR-SB at index+1 visit (1.94 [1.22, 3.09]); and mean of FAQ at index+2 visit (1.78 [1.12, 2.83]). After excluding initiators with extant motor dysfunction (n = 21), we identified 459 initiators (78.7 [6.9]; 34.0%) and 4,131 nonusers (78.2 [6.9]; 34.7%); in this sample, gabapentin initiation was associated with increased falls at the index+2 visit (2.51 [1.19, 5.31]). Conclusion: Gabapentin initiation was significantly associated with deleterious neurocognitive changes among older adults with initially normal cognition. Further studies are needed to examine the risk/benefit of prescribing gabapentin in older adults.

Recent developments in geriatric psychopharmacology

INTRODUCTION

There is a tremendous growing need to address the burden of geriatric psychiatric disorders. Recent developments relevant to geriatric psychiatry have focused on Alzheimer's disease (AD), severe/refractory depression, and cancer/end of life care.

AREAS COVERED

This is a non-systematic, narrative review (databases and websites for search: PubMed, Google Scholar, Medscape, ClinicalTrials.gov; focusing on the last 6 years), and covers developments in disease-modifying therapies for AD, diagnostic radiotracers for AD, medications for neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, ketamine/esketamine, psychedelics, and cannabinoids.

EXPERT OPINION

The focus of on-going trials of anti-amyloid agents has been on individuals with very early stage AD; several agents are under phase 3 investigation, and aducanumab is under FDA review. Amyloid and tau PET scans have been approved by the FDA to assist in the diagnoses of AD. Promising pharmaceuticals for neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia include pimavanserin, brexpiprazole, escitalopram, dextromethorphan/quinidine, and lithium. Esketamine, although approved for treatment-resistant depression in general adults, failed to demonstrate efficacy in elderly patients in a phase 3 trial. There is preliminary evidence for benefit of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in end-of-life and cancer-related depression/anxiety. Evidence for the use of cannabinoids is currently lacking.

The effect of scalp electroacupuncture combined with Memantine in patients with vascular dementia: A retrospective study

Currently there is no effective treatment for vascular dementia (VaD). Pharmacological treatment often lead to severe complications and require drug dosage adjustment. This study investigated the effect of scalp electroacupuncture combined with Memantine in VaD. The safety and antioxidative effect of scalp electroacupuncture were also explored.A retrospective study was conducted and data of inpatients of Linyi Central Hospital with VaD between June 2017 and May 2018 were collected and sorted. The patients were divided into scalp electroacupuncture-medication (A), scalp electroacupuncture (B) and medication (control) (C) groups, in which Memantine was prescribed as medication. Cognitive function, activities of daily living and quality of life assessed by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Barthel index and dementia quality of life questionnaire; the contents of superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxide and nitric oxide in blood samples; and adverse reaction were compared.Data from a total of 150 patients were collected (Group A, n = 55; Group B, n = 50; Group C, n = 45). The post-treatment/follow-up Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Barthel index and dementia quality of life questionnaire scores were significantly improved in all groups compared to pre-treatment (groups A and B, P<.01; group C, P<.05). The improvements were significant for groups A vs C, B vs C (P<0.01, both), and group A vs B (P<.05). The post-treatment/follow-up levels of lipid peroxide and nitric oxide decreased significantly while superoxide dismutase increased significantly in groups A and B compared to pre-treatment (P<.01, both). The differences were significant for groups A vs C, and B vs C (P < .01, both), but not significant between groups A and B (P > .05). There were no significant adverse events occurred during the study and follow-up.In combined treatment, scalp electroacupuncture works in parallel with Memantine and significantly increase the therapeutic effect in VaD with no significant adverse events. Scalp electroacupuncture may have the potential to serve as an option or alternative treatment for VaD. Scalp electroacupuncture may alleviate VaD symptoms through its antioxidative mechanism.

Management of Dementia-Related Psychosis, Agitation and Aggression: A Review of the Pharmacology and Clinical Effects of Potential Drug Candidates

Along with cognitive decline, 90% of patients with dementia experience behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, such as psychosis, aggression, agitation, and depression. Atypical antipsychotics are commonly prescribed off-label to manage certain symptoms, despite warnings from the regulatory agencies regarding the increased risk of mortality associated with their use in elderly patients. Moreover, these compounds display a limited clinical efficacy, mostly owing to the fact that they were developed to treat schizophrenia, a disease characterized by neurobiological deficits. Thus, to improve clinical efficacy, it has been suggested that patients with dementia should be treated with exclusively designed and developed drugs that interact with pharmacologically relevant targets. Within this context, numerous studies have suggested druggable targets that might achieve therapeutically acceptable pharmacological profiles. Based on this, several different drug candidates have been proposed that are being investigated in clinical trials for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. We highlight the recent advances toward the development of therapeutic agents for dementia-related psychosis and agitation/aggression and discuss the relationship between the relevant biological targets and their etiology. In addition, we review the compounds that are in the early stage of development (discovery or preclinical phase) and those that are currently being investigated in clinical trials for dementia-related psychosis and agitation/aggression. We also discuss the mechanism of action of these compounds and their pharmacological utility in patients with dementia.

Gabapentin and pregabalin to treat aggressivity in dementia: a systematic review and illustrative case report

AIMS

The prevalence of dementia is rising as life expectancy increases globally. Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), including agitation and aggression, are common, presenting a challenge to clinicians and caregivers.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed evidence for gabapentin and pregabalin against BPSD symptoms of agitation or aggression in any dementia, using six databases (Pubmed, CINHL, PsychINFO, HealthStar, Embase, and Web of Science). Complementing this formal systematic review, an illustrative case of a patient with BPSD in mixed Alzheimer's/vascular dementia, who appeared to derive benefits in terms of symptom control and functioning from the introduction of gabapentin titrated up to 3600 mg day^-1 alongside other interventions, is presented.

RESULTS

Twenty-four relevant articles were identified in the systematic review. There were no randomized trials. Fifteen papers were original case series/case reports of patients treated with these compounds, encompassing 87 patients given gabapentin and six given pregabalin. In 12 of 15 papers, drug treatment was effective in the majority of cases. The remaining nine papers were solely reviews, of which two were described as systematic but predated PRISMA guidelines. Preliminary low-grade evidence based on case series and case reviews suggests possible benefit of gabapentin and pregabalin in patients with BPSD in Alzheimer's disease. These benefits cannot be confirmed until well-powered randomized controlled trials are undertaken. Evidence in frontotemporal dementia is lacking.

CONCLUSION

Gabapentin and pregabalin could be considered for BPSD when medications having stronger evidence bases (risperidone, other antipsychotics, carbamazepine and citalopram) have been ineffective or present unacceptable risks of adverse outcomes.

Cracking novel shared targets between epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease: need of the hour

Epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are interconnected. It is well known that seizures are linked with cognitive impairment, and there are various shared etiologies between epilepsy and AD. The connection between hyperexcitability of neurons and cognitive dysfunction in the progression of AD or epileptogenesis plays a vital role for improving selection of treatment for both diseases. Traditionally, seizures occur less frequently and in later stages of age in patients with AD which in turn implies that neurodegeneration causes seizures. The role of seizures in early stages of pathogenesis of AD is still an issue to be resolved. So, it is well timed to analyze the common pathways involved in pathophysiology of AD and epilepsy. The present review focuses on similar potential underlying mechanisms which may be related to the causes of seizures in epilepsy and cognitive impairment in AD. The proposed review will focus on many possible newer targets like abnormal expression of various enzymes like GSK-3β, PP2A, PKC, tau hyperphosphorylation, MMPs, caspases, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress associated with number of neurodegenerative diseases linked with epilepsy. The brief about the prospective line of treatment of both diseases will also be discussed in the present review.

Sequential drug treatment algorithm for agitation and aggression in Alzheimer's and mixed dementia

INTRODUCTION

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) include agitation and aggression in people with dementia. BPSD is common on inpatient psychogeriatric units and may prevent individuals from living at home or in residential/nursing home settings. Several drugs and non-pharmacological treatments have been shown to be effective in reducing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Algorithmic treatment may address the challenge of synthesizing this evidence-based knowledge.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary team created evidence-based algorithms for the treatment of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. We present drug treatment algorithms for agitation and aggression associated with Alzheimer's and mixed Alzheimer's/vascular dementia. Drugs were appraised by psychiatrists based on strength of evidence of efficacy, time to onset of clinical effect, tolerability, ease of use, and efficacy for indications other than behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

RESULTS

After baseline assessment and discontinuation of potentially exacerbating medications, sequential trials are recommended with risperidone, aripiprazole or quetiapine, carbamazepine, citalopram, gabapentin, and prazosin. Titration schedules are proposed, with adjustments for frailty. Additional guidance is given on use of electroconvulsive therapy, optimization of existing cholinesterase inhibitors/memantine, and use of pro re nata medications.

CONCLUSION

This algorithm-based approach for drug treatment of agitation/aggression in Alzheimer's/mixed dementia has been implemented in several Canadian Hospital Inpatient Units. Impact should be assessed in future research.

Clinical Update on Nursing Home Medicine: 2016

This is the tenth clinical update. It covers chronic kidney disease, dementia, hypotension, polypharmacy, rapid geriatric assessment, and transitional care.

Management of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Neurocognitive Disorders

Dementias, renamed neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) in the DSM-5, are defined by acquired decline in cognitive and functional abilities. DSM-5 now also includes mild NCD, which incorporates the previous diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. DSM-5 recognizes the following etiologies for NCDs: NCD due to Alzheimer's disease, vascular NCD, NCD with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal NCD, substance-/medication-induced NCD, NCD due to traumatic brain injury, NCD due to Huntington's disease, NCD due to HIV infection, NCD due to prion disease, and NCD due to other medical conditions. In this review, the authors discuss a wide variety of interventions that have been studied for the treatment and management of neuropsychiatric symptoms of patients with NCDs. In addition to nonpharmacological interventions, several classes of medications-including antipsychotics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and cholinesterase inhibitors-have been studied for this indication.

Antiepileptic drugs for the treatment of agitation and aggression in dementia: do they have a place in therapy?

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are a class of medications that have received considerable attention as possible treatments for agitation and aggression in patients with dementia. This attention has been driven in equal measure by promising findings from limited trial and observational data and the desire to find treatments with improved tolerability. Their use, to date, has been largely confined to circumstances where first-line treatments have proven inadequate or are poorly tolerated. In recent years there has been some growth in the evidence base, and we can now make more informed recommendations regarding a number of older AEDs. Carbamazepine continues to have the best evidence to support its use, although the evidence base remains relatively small and concerns regarding tolerability limit its use. There is now more consistent evidence that valproate preparations should not be used for agitation and aggression in dementia. Despite a lack of high-quality data, some results have been reported for several newer medications, including levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, gabapentin, topiramate and lamotrigine, and a number of these warrant further investigation. Recent findings and implications for clinical practice are discussed.

The effects of ear acupressure, massage therapy and no therapy on symptoms of dementia: a randomized controlled trial

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of ear acupressure and massage vs. control in the improvement of pain, anxiety and depression in persons diagnosed with dementia.

Design:

A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Residential homes in Extremadura (Spain).

Subjects:

A total of 120 elders with dementia institutionalized in residential homes.

Intervention:

The participants were randomly allocated, in three groups. Control group – they continued with their routine activities; ear acupressure intervention group – they received ear acupressure treatment (pressure was applied to acupressure points on the ear); and massage therapy intervention group – they received relaxing massage therapy.

Main measures:

The variables pain, anxiety and depression were assessed with the Doloplus2, Cornell and Campbell scales. The study was carried out during five months; three months of experimental treatment and two months with no treatment. The assessments were done at baseline, each month during the treatment and at one and two months of follow-up. In the statistical analysis the three groups were compared with each other.

Results:

A total of 111 participants completed the study. Their aged ranged from 67 to 91 years old and 86 of them (77.4%) were women. The ear acupressure intervention group showed better improvements than the massage therapy intervention group in relation to pain and depression during the treatment period and at one month of follow-up. The best improvement in pain was achieved in the last (3rd) month of ear acupressure treatment ( p  < 0.001) being the average improvement 8.55 (4.39) with IC 95% (7.14, 9.95). Regarding anxiety, the best results were also observed in the last month of treatment. The average improvement in anxiety was 9.63 (5.00) with IC 95% (8.02, 11.23)

Conclusions:

Ear acupressure and massage therapy showed better results than the control group in relation to pain, anxiety and depression. However, ear acupressure achieved more improvements.

Common psychiatric problems in cognitively impaired older patients: causes and management

Although dementias are defined by their cognitive and functional deficits, psychiatric problems are common, contribute to patient distress and caregiver burden, and precipitate institutionalization. Successful treatment involves understanding that physiologic, psychological, and environmental factors can contribute to the development of these symptoms. By carefully assessing each of these factors, clinicians can individualize treatment and flexibly use nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic approaches tailored to patients and the context of care. Although there exist limitations to many treatment options, clinicians can still adapt current knowledge to develop a multifaceted treatment approach that improves the quality of life for patients and their caregivers.

Ear therapy and massage therapy in the elderly with dementia: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of massage versus ear acupuncture on behavior and participation in occupational therapy of dementia patients.

METHODS

We performed a controlled, randomized longitudinal trial approved by the Bioethics Commission of the University of Extremadura. One hundred twenty elderly subjects with dementia institutionalized in residential homes in Extremadura (Spain) received treatment based on massage and ear acupuncture over three months. Behavior alterations, sleep disturbance, and participation in rehabilitation and eating were assessed every month during the three months of intervention, and at one and two months of follow-up after the end of treatment. The assessment was performed through a structured questionnaire with closed format questions done by an occupational therapist not involved in the study.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant positive effect of massage and ear acupuncture (P < 0.001) on measured variables in the third month of intervention, which were maintained at two months after completing the treatment (P < 0.021), when compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Massage therapy and ear acupuncture can improve behavior and sleep disturbances, and increase the participation in eating and rehabilitation organized in residential homes, in dementia patients.

[Scales to evaluate pain in elderly patients suffering from dementia. Help-tools for the physiotherapist, doctor, nurse and occupational therapist]

The purpose of this study was to determine which scales are being used to evaluate pain in old people suffering from dementia. A search strategy was developed to retrieve all articles (randomized controlled trials and clinical trials without randomization) published in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library Plus, PEDro and Dialnet and BMC Geriatrics from January 2000 to January 2012. Exclusion criteria were articles that did not use scales for evaluating pain in elderly patients suffering from dementia, and other type of articles (case studies, reviews...). Finally, 13 studies were included in this review. From the results obtained it appears that more studies are needed to confirm the pain scales used for the elderly suffering from dementia. Observational scales may be useful to evaluate pain in these patients.

Behavioral disturbance in dementia

Behavioral disturbances are frequently the most challenging manifestations of dementia and are exhibited in almost all people with dementia. Common behavioral disturbances can be grouped into four categories: mood disorders (e.g., depression, apathy, euphoria); sleep disorders (insomnia, hypersomnia, night-day reversal); psychotic symptoms (delusions and hallucinations); and agitation (e.g., pacing, wandering, sexual disinhibition, aggression). They are often persistent, greatly diminish quality of life of patients and their family caregivers, cause premature institutionalization, and pose a high economic burden on the patient, family, and society. Behavioral disturbances can be prevented and treated with a multifaceted approach that supports dignity and promotes comfort and quality of life of persons with dementia and their family members. Management involves prompt treatment of reversible factors and management of symptoms using primarily individualized nonpharmacological interventions. Pharmacological interventions need to be restricted to behavioral emergencies and for short-term treatment of behavioral disturbances that pose imminent danger to self or others.

Gabapentin in the treatment of dementia-associated nocturnal agitation

Background

Nocturnal sleep of patients suffering from various forms of dementia is often impaired by nocturnal agitation or nocturnal wandering. Anticonvulsives such as carbamazepine or valproate are reported to have some therapeutic efficacy, but there is little information about other drugs suitable for treatment of this condition.

Case Report

Our patient, a 77-year-old Czech woman with incipient vascular dementia, received gabapentin 400mg at bedtime for 6 months and showed convincing improvement.

Conclusions

Gabapentin was very effective in treating nocturnal agitation.

Clinical utility of adjunctive retigabine in partial onset seizures in adults

In ~30% of epileptic patients, full seizure control is not possible, which is why the search for novel antiepileptic drugs continues. Retigabine exhibits a mechanism of action that is not shared by the available antiepileptic drugs. This antiepileptic enhances potassium currents via Kv7.2–7.3 channels, which very likely results from destabilization of a closed conformation or stabilization of the open conformation of the channels. Generally, the pharmacokinetics of retigabine are linear and the drug undergoes glucuronidation and acetylation. Results from clinical trials indicate that, in the form of an add-on therapy, retigabine proves an effective drug in refractory epileptic patients. The major adverse effects of the add-on treatment are dizziness, somnolence, and fatigue. This epileptic drug is also considered for other conditions – neuropathic pain, affective disorders, stroke, or even Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer's disease: diagnosis and treatment across the spectrum of disease severity

Alzheimer's disease exists along a spectrum, from early memory changes to functional dependence and death. Using a case illustration, we review the evaluation and diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease at each stage, including the management of both cognitive and behavioral/psychiatric aspects of the disease and end-stage and end-of-life care.

Antipsychotics in Alzheimer's disease: A critical analysis

The estimated worldwide prevalence of dementia among adults older than 60 years of age was 3.9% in 2005. About 90% of demented patients will develop neuropsychiatric symptoms (NS) such as delirium, delusion, aggressiveness and agitation. The treatment of NS involves non-pharmacologic strategies (with varying degrees of success according to the scientific literature) and pharmacologic treatment (PT). The present review of literature examined the current role of AP in the management of NS in dementia.

METHODS

A thematic review of medical literature was carried out.

RESULTS

313 articles were found, 39 of which were selected for critical analysis. Until 2005, the best evidence for PT had supported the use of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), anticholinesterases, memantine and antipsychotics (AP). In 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) disapproved the use of atypical APs to treat neuropsychiatric symptoms in individuals with dementia (the same occurred with the typical APs in 2008). After this, at least two important randomized placebo-controlled multicenter trials were published examining the effectiveness of atypical APs in Alzheimer's disease (CATIE-AD) and the effects of interrupting AP treatment (DART-AD).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the current evidence available, APs still have a place in treatment of the more serious psychotic symptoms, after the failure of non-pharmacological treatment and of an initial approach with selective inhibitors of serotonin uptake, anticholinesterases and memantine.

Anticonvulsants in the treatment of aggression in the demented elderly: an update

INTRODUCTION

Complex psychopathological and behavioral symptoms, such as delusions and aggression against care providers, are often the primary cause of acute hospital admissions of elderly patients to emergency units and psychiatric departments. This issue resembles an interdisciplinary clinically highly relevant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge across many medical subjects and general practice. At least 50% of the dramatically growing number of patients with dementia exerts aggressive and agitated symptoms during the course of clinical progression, particularly at moderate clinical severity.

METHODS

Commonly used rating scales for agitation and aggression are reviewed and discussed. Furthermore, we focus in this article on benefits and limitations of all available data of anticonvulsants published in this specific indication, such as valproate, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, gabapentin and topiramate.

RESULTS

To date, most positive and robust data are available for carbamazepine, however, pharmacokinetic interactions with secondary enzyme induction limit its use. Controlled data of valproate do not seem to support the use in this population. For oxcarbazepine only one controlled but negative trial is available. Positive small series and case reports have been reported for lamotrigine, gabapentin and topiramate.

CONCLUSION

So far, data of anticonvulsants in demented patients with behavioral disturbances are not convincing. Controlled clinical trials using specific, valid and psychometrically sound instruments of newer anticonvulsants with a better tolerability profile are mandatory to verify whether they can contribute as treatment option in this indication.