Update on Alzheimer drugs (galantamine).
BACKGROUND
Deficient cholinergic function contributes to the cognitive and behavioral signs and symptoms of Alzheimer disease (AD). A successful treatment approach in AD has been the enhancement of cholinergic function by cholinesterase inhibitors.


RESULTS
Galantamine is a cholinesterase inhibitor and allosteric modulating ligand at nicotinic cholinergic receptors. Galantamine 24 mg/d has been demonstrated consistently effective compared with placebo for the cognitive, functional, and behavioral aspects of Alzheimer's disease in large multicenter trials. Cognition and function on average are preserved for 12 months in Alzheimer disease patients receiving galantamine. It is safe and very well tolerated when dosage is escalated gradually.


CONCLUSIONS
Galantamine is a valuable addition to agents available for the pharmacologic treatment of AD.
Raskind
Murray A
MA
Northwest Network VISN 20 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Alzheimer Disease Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98108, USA. murray.raskind@med.va.gov
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000818:Animals; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005702:Galantamine / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D005702:Galantamine