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 […]
Antipsychotics for delirium
Abstract Background Delirium occurs in up to 30% of hospitalised patients and is associated with prolonged hospital stay and increased morbidity and mortality. Recently published reports have suggested that the standard drug for delirium, haloperidol, a typical antipsychotic that may cause adverse extrapyramidal symptoms among patients, may be replaced by atypical antipsychotics such as risperidone, […]
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 […]
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation for cognitive function in healthy elderly people
Abstract Background In view of the theoretical possibility of beneficial effects of DHEA retarding age-associated deterioration in cognitive function, we have reviewed studies in this area. Objectives To establish whether administration of DHEA improves cognitive function or quality of life or reduces the rate of decline of cognitive function in normal older adults. Search methods […]
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 […]
Cholinesterase inhibitors for Parkinson’s disease dementia
Abstract Background The loss of cholinergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic innervations seen in Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD) suggest a potential role for cholinesterase inhibitors. Concerns have been expressed about a theoretical worsening of Parkinson’s disease related symptoms, particularly movement symptoms. Objectives To assess the efficacy, safety, tolerability and health economic data relating to the use of […]
Cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease
Abstract Background Since the introduction of the first cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) in 1997, most clinicians and probably most patients would consider the cholinergic drugs, donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine, to be the first line pharmacotherapy for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The drugs have slightly different pharmacological properties, but they all work by inhibiting the breakdown […]