Open-label study of donepezil in traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
To determine preliminarily whether donepezil will improve memory, behavior, and global function after chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI).


METHODS
Sixteen-week open-label study.


METHODS
Outpatient TBI rehabilitation program.


METHODS
Four patients with chronic, severe TBI.


METHODS
Donepezil 5mg daily for 8 weeks followed by 10mg daily for 4 weeks.


METHODS
Memory measures included the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), the Complex Figure Test (CFT), items from the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT), and a semantic fluency task. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) evaluated behavior and affect. Function was assessed by using the FIM instrument and a clinical global impression of change.


RESULTS
On the RAVLT, the mean scores for learning and short- and long-term recall improved by 0.4, 1.04, and.83 standard deviations (SDs) above baseline, respectively. On the CFT, the mean scores for short-term recall and long-term recall improved by 1.56 and 1.38 SDs above baseline, respectively. A positive trend was observed on the RBMT and on the NPI subscales.


CONCLUSIONS
Donepezil may improve some aspects of memory and behavior in persons with chronic TBI. Randomized clinical trials are required to support these preliminary findings.
Masanic
C A
CA
Hamilton Health Sciences Corp, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont, Canada.
Bayley
M T
MT
VanReekum
R
R
Simard
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D000077265:Donepezil; D006801:Humans; D007189:Indans / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010880:Piperidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007189:Indans; D018697:Nootropic Agents; D010880:Piperidines; D000077265:Donepezil