Withdrawal versus continuation of chronic antipsychotic drugs for behavioural and psychological symptoms in older people with dementia
Abstract Background Antipsychotic agents are often used to treat neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in dementia, although the literature is sceptical about their long-term use for this indication. Their effectiveness is limited and there is concern about adverse effects, including higher mortality with long-term use. When behavioural strategies have failed and drug therapy is instituted, regular attempts […]
Huperzine A for mild cognitive impairment
Abstract Background Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been proposed as a condition of intermediate symptomatology between the cognitive changes of ageing and fully developed symptoms of dementia. Treatment in the stages of MCI may delay the deterioration of cognitive impairment and delay the progression to dementia. Currently, the treatments for Alzheimer’s disease have been focused […]
Psychosocial interventions for reducing antipsychotic medication in care home residents
Abstract Background Antipsychotic medication is regularly prescribed in care homes to control ‘behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia’ despite moderate efficacy, significant adverse effects, and available non-pharmacological alternatives. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions to reduce antipsychotic medication in care home residents. Search methods The Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group’s Specialized Register, […]
Vitamin E for Alzheimer’s dementia and mild cognitive impairment
Abstract Background Vitamin E is a dietary compound that functions as an antioxidant scavenging toxic free radicals. Evidence that free radicals may contribute to the pathological processes of cognitive impairment including Alzheimer’s disease has led to interest in the use of vitamin E in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). […]
Cholinesterase inhibitors for mild cognitive impairment
Abstract Background Mild cognitive impairment is hypothesised to represent a pre-clinical stage of dementia but forms a heterogeneous group with variable prognosis. Objectives To assess the safety and efficacy of cholinesterase inhibitors in people with mild cognitive impairment. Search methods Trials were identified from the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group’s Specialised Register, which is […]
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for vascular dementia
Abstract Background Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been used to treat a variety of conditions and has shown possible efficacy for treating vascular dementia (VaD) in experimental and preliminary clinical studies. Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of HBOT for VaD, used alone or as an adjuvant treatment. Search methods We searched ALOIS: the […]
Functional analysis-based interventions for challenging behaviour in dementia
Abstract Background Functional analysis (FA) for the management of challenging behaviour is a promising behavioural intervention that involves exploring the meaning or purpose of an individual’s behaviour. It extends the ‘ABC’ approach of behavioural analysis, to overcome the restriction of having to derive a single explanatory hypothesis for the person’s behaviour. It is seen as […]
Cognitive stimulation to improve cognitive functioning in people with dementia
Abstract Background Cognitive stimulation is an intervention for people with dementia which offers a range of enjoyable activities providing general stimulation for thinking, concentration and memory usually in a social setting, such as a small group. Its roots can be traced back to Reality Orientation (RO), which was developed in the late 1950s as a […]
Aspirin, steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Abstract Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. The incidence of AD rises exponentially with age and its prevalence will increase significantly worldwide in the next few decades. Inflammatory processes have been suspected in the pathogenesis of the disease. Objectives To review the efficacy and side effects of aspirin, steroidal and […]
Naftidrofuryl for dementia
Abstract Background Dementia is a brain disorder characterized by the permanent loss of higher cognitive functions. A number of vasodilatory drug treatments are prescribed for dementia. Naftidrofuryl is one such medicine which is reported to improve clinical symptoms significantly. The efficacy and possible adverse events of naftidrofuryl need to be reviewed systematically and assessed critically […]