Improvement in sundowning in dementia with Lewy bodies after treatment with donepezil.
Sundowning, manifested as a recurring increase in restlessness and agitation in the evening, is described in a 71-year-old man with clinically diagnosed dementia with Lewy bodies. An objective measure of activity using the activity electronic monitoring technique indicated a marked increase in activity level during the evening compared to earlier in the day. After treatment with donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor, ratings of behavioural symptoms improved. In addition, there was a marked reduction in evening activity and an increase in daytime activity. Cognition and parkinsonism also improved. Possible explanations for this finding are discussed.
Skjerve
A
A
Olaviken Behandlingssenter, 5306 Erdal, Bergen, Norway. arvid,skjerve@hordaland-f.kommune.no
Nygaard
H A
HA
D000368:Aged; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D000077265:Donepezil; D006801:Humans; D007189:Indans / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020961:Lewy Body Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D010880:Piperidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D007189:Indans; D010880:Piperidines; D000077265:Donepezil