Galantamine provides broad benefits in patients with 'advanced moderate' Alzheimer's disease (MMSE < or = 12) for up to six months.
We investigated whether galantamine (Reminyl), a cholinergic agent with a dual mode of action for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD), would benefit patients with more advanced illness. We performed a post hoc analysis on pooled data from four pivotal studies in patients with 'advanced moderate' AD: baseline Mini-Mental State Evaluation (MMSE) scores < or = 12 (range 10-12; mean MMSE score 11) or Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) scores >30 (range 31-69; mean ADAS-cog score 39). Over 5-6 months, cognitive abilities were improved with galantamine versus placebo (p<0.001; mean treatment difference 6.5 points). At 6 months, galantamine benefited functional abilities (p<0.001 vs placebo). The first quartile of galantamine patients improved over baseline by 10.5 ADAS-cog points. Cognitive and functional abilities were maintained around baseline; behavioural symptoms were delayed. Over 6 months, galantamine provided a broad spectrum of benefits to patients with 'advanced moderate' AD.
Wilkinson
D G
DG
Memory Assessment and Research Centre, Moorgreen Hospital, Southampton, UK
Hock
C
C
Farlow
M
M
van Baelen
B
B
Schwalen
S
S
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001519:Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D005702:Galantamine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D018697:Nootropic Agents; D005702:Galantamine