Enteral tube feeding for older people with advanced dementia
Abstract Background The use of enteral tube feeding for patients with advanced dementia who have poor nutritional intake is common. In one US survey 34% of 186,835 nursing home residents with advanced cognitive impairment were tube fed. Potential benefits or harms of this practice are unclear. Objectives To evaluate the outcome of enteral tube nutrition […]
Hormone replacement therapy to maintain cognitive function in women with dementia
Abstract Background As estrogens have been shown to have several potentially beneficial effects on the central nervous system, it is biologically plausible that maintaining high levels of estrogens in postmenopausal women by means of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) could be protective against cognitive decline in women with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or other dementia syndromes. Objectives […]
Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia
Abstract Background Products of the maidenhair tree, Ginkgo biloba, have long been used in China as a traditional medicine for various disorders of health. A standardized extract is widely used in the West for the treatment of a range of conditions including memory and concentration problems, confusion, depression, anxiety, dizziness, tinnitus and headache. The mechanisms […]
Folic acid with or without vitamin B12 for the prevention and treatment of healthy elderly and demented people
Abstract Background Folate deficiency can result in congenital neural tube defects and megaloblastic anaemia. Low folate levels may be due to insufficient dietary intake or inefficient absorption, but impaired metabolic utilization also occurs. Because B12 deficiency can produce a similar anaemia to folate deficiency, there is a risk that folate supplementation can delay the diagnosis […]
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 […]
Cholinesterase inhibitors for delirium
Abstract Background Delirium is now the preferred term to describe acute confusional states. It is experienced by 10 to 30% of all hospital inpatients. Delirium is potentially reversible and is related to several adverse outcomes, including increased hospital length of stay, poor functional status, persistent cognitive impairment, need for institutional care and probably mortality. Disruption […]
Hormone replacement therapy for cognitive function in postmenopausal women
Abstract Background As estrogens have been found in animal models to be associated with the maintenance and protection of brain structures, it is biologically plausible that maintaining high levels of estrogens in postmenopausal women by medication could be protective against cognitive decline. Objectives To investigate the effect of ERT (estrogens only) or HRT (estrogens combined […]