Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVE: This retrospective multicentric study conducted in seven Italian Ambulatory Centers for Dementia assessed the efficacy and safety of memantine 20 mg/day administered for 6 months in addition to an AChEI in AD patients with worsened cognitive functions and behavioral disorders. METHODS: A total number of 240 patients (61.7% of women, 38.3% men, mean age 77.9 ± 7.32 years old) who had started treatment with the combination therapy were recruited. At baseline (T0), Month 3 (T1), and Month 6 (T2), cognitive functions were assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), functional dependence by activities of daily living ( ADL) and instrumental ADL, behavioral disturbances by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and comorbidities by Cumulative Illness Rating Scale. Adverse events were reported during the study. RESULTS: MMSE total score significantly increased at Month 6 (p = 0.029 versus month 3) and IADL total score significantly decreased from baseline to endpoint (p = 0.033). There were no significant changes from baseline in mean ADL, despite significant improvements in NPI total score. The mean MMSE total score significantly increased with the combination donepezil + memantine compared to rivastigmine + memantine. The adverse events profile was in line with the expected range of the drugs studied and concomitant therapies. Overall, 17 patients discontinued treatment in the observation time. CONCLUSION: Combined treatment with memantine and AChEIs was effective in patients with AD, particularly in slowing cognitive impairment and preventing the onset of agitation and aggression in elderly AD patients.
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Authors | Pietro Gareri, Daria Putignano, Alberto Castagna, Antonino Maria Cotroneo, Grazia De Palo, Andrea Fabbo, Luigi Forgione, Attilio Giacummo, Roberto Lacava, Saverio Marino, Maurizio Simone, Amedeo Zurlo, Salvatore Putignano |
Journal | Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD
(J Alzheimers Dis)
Vol. 41
Issue 2
Pg. 633-40
( 2014)
ISSN: 1875-8908 [Electronic] Netherlands |
PMID | 24643135
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study)
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Chemical References |
- Cholinesterase Inhibitors
- Indans
- Nootropic Agents
- Phenylcarbamates
- Piperidines
- Galantamine
- Donepezil
- Rivastigmine
- Memantine
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Topics |
- Activities of Daily Living
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Alzheimer Disease
(drug therapy, epidemiology, physiopathology)
- Cholinesterase Inhibitors
(administration & dosage)
- Cognition
(drug effects)
- Comorbidity
- Donepezil
- Female
- Galantamine
(administration & dosage)
- Humans
- Indans
(administration & dosage)
- Italy
- Male
- Memantine
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Middle Aged
- Nootropic Agents
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Phenylcarbamates
(administration & dosage)
- Piperidines
(administration & dosage)
- Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
- Retrospective Studies
- Rivastigmine
- Time Factors
- Treatment Outcome
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