Effect of naltrexone on senile dementia of the Alzheimer type.
Some reports have suggested that naloxone, a short-acting opiate receptor blocker given intravenously, has a beneficial effect on the symptoms of senile dementia of the Alzheimer type. We have performed a double-blind, crossover trial of naltrexone, an orally active, long acting opiate antagonist, in 17 Alzheimer-type dementia patients. None showed any improvement in assessments of day-to-day living skills or on a battery of neuropsychological tests. No side effects were noted. In the dosage used, naltrexone appears not to be useful in Alzheimer-type dementia.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000187:drug effects
D011957:Receptors, Opioid; D009271:Naltrexone