Comparison of risperidone with olanzapine in elderly patients with dementia and psychosis.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of risperidone and olanzapine on cognition in elderly patients with dementia and psychosis, and to compare the side effects of these drugs.


METHODS
Single-blind, multicenter, observational study.


METHODS
Four rural nursing care facilities.


METHODS
Nineteen elderly patients with dementia and psychosis.


METHODS
Eleven patients were treated with risperidone, eight with olanzapine.


RESULTS
Rating assessments were completed at baseline, 1 month, and 2 months. Simple paired and unpaired t tests determined between- and within-group differences. Social functioning, including activities of daily living, improved over baseline in both groups (p=0.03). Cognition declined significantly (p<0.05) in the risperidone group; comparatively more side effects occurred and blood pressure decreased (p<0.05) in the olanzapine group. When compared with each group cross-sectionally at baseline and end point, however, the two groups did not differ significantly.


CONCLUSIONS
Improvements in social functioning in all 19 patients suggest that both risperidone and olanzapine may help improve functioning in elderly patients with dementia and psychosis. Cognitive and side effect profiles of these drugs may differ substantially. Further study is needed to determine patient subpopulations who may be able to tolerate one drug over another.
Ellingrod
Vicki L
VL
College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA. vicki-ellingrod@uiowa.edu
Schultz
Susan K
SK
Ekstam-Smith
Karen
K
Kutscher
Eric
E
Turvey
Carolyn
C
Arndt
Stephan
S
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007484:Iowa; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077152:Olanzapine; D010890:Pirenzepine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D018967:Risperidone / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D010890:Pirenzepine; D018967:Risperidone; D000077152:Olanzapine