Procaine treatments for cognition and dementia
Abstract Background Procaine is a controversial substance which has been used for “antiageing” effects including cognitive improvement for more than 50 years. Preparations which contain procaine as a component are claimed to prevent, reverse and interrupt dementia. Several products are widely promoted and can be purchased “over the counter” outside the US and via the […]
Adjunctive therapies for AIDS dementia complex
Abstract Background AIDS dementia complex is a common complication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) that continues to exist despite the current use of potent antiretroviral therapy. It is a source of great morbidity and, when severe, is associated with limited survival. Objectives To determine efficacy and safety of adjunctive therapies for AIDS dementia […]
Huperzine A for Alzheimer’s disease
Abstract Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has become a major public health problem around the world due to its increasing prevalence, long duration, caregiver burden, and high financial cost of care. The degeneration of acetylcholine-containing neurons in the basal forebrain has been implicated in the symptoms of AD. Cholinesterase inhibitors may block the degradation of acetylcholine, […]
Personal assistance for adults (19-64) with both physical and intellectual impairments
Abstract Background There is a high incidence of impairments among working age adults, and their prevalence is increasing in the West. Many countries offer personal assistance in the form of individualised support for people living in the community by a paid assistant other than a healthcare professional for at least 20 hours per week. Objectives […]
Acupuncture for vascular dementia
Abstract Background Dementia is a widespread condition characterized by acquired global impairment of intellect, memory and personality, but without impairment of consciousness. There is no definitive treatment for vascular dementia. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method that has been used for the prevention and treatment of diseases over three-thousand years. Many kinds of acupuncture methods […]
Yizhi capsule for vascular dementia
Abstract Background Vascular dementia (VD) is a syndrome or diagnosis that has different causes and clinical manifestations relating to several different vascular mechanisms and changes in the brain. Some traditional Chinese herbal medicines were developed for treating VD. Yizhi capsule is one such herbal concoction which is reported to improve clinical symptoms significantly. The efficacy […]
Non-pharmacological interventions for wandering of people with dementia in the domestic setting
Abstract Background A number of studies exist of interventions for wandering in the institutional setting, but much less work has been done on wandering in the domestic setting. The prevalence of wandering by people with dementia is difficult to assess; wandering is not a simple or static behaviour and the reasons why people wander remain […]
Massage and touch for dementia
Abstract Background Massage and touch have been suggested as a non-pharmacological alternative or supplement to other treatments offered in order to reduce or manage a range of conditions associated with dementia such as anxiety, agitated behaviour and depression. It has also been suggested that massage and touch may counteract cognitive decline. Objectives To assess the […]
Donepezil for mild cognitive impairment
Abstract Background Problems with memory which do not meet the diagnostic criteria for dementia, usually called mild cognitive impairment (MCI), can be the first sign of an impending dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD). There is no consensus on a definition or diagnostic criteria for MCI, and MCI remains a vague term and those so described […]
Metrifonate for Alzheimer’s disease
Abstract Background Metrifonate is a long-acting irreversible cholinesterase inhibitor, originally used to treat schistosomiasis. Its potential to enhance central nervous system cholinergic neurotransmission led to clinical trials for the treatment of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although low incidence of serious side effects occurred during short-term use as an antihelmintic, in studies of the treatment […]