[Oestro-progestagen treatment combined with rivastigmine in menopausal women suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The results of a 28-weeks controlled study].
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy on cognitive function of the combination of hormone replacement therapy with rivastigmine, acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, in menopausal women suffering from mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's disease.


METHODS
This was a randomised double blind study of 117 women suffering from mild to moderately severe Alzheimer-like dementia (MMSE between 10 and 26). The patients were randomly assigned to continuous hormone therapy (n=59) and placebo (n=58), all receiving treatment with rivastigmine. Follow-up was of 28 weeks. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA: ADAS-Cog (Alzheimer's disease assessment scale--cognitive subscale) (primary endpoint); MMSE (mini mental state examination), GDS (global deterioration scale), CGC-Plus (clinical global change-plus), NPI (neuropsychiatric inventory), IADL (instrumental activities of daily living). Data regarding tolerance was recorded.


RESULTS
No significant difference was observed in the parameters assessing efficacy (cognitive function, global assessment, functioning, neuropsychiatric symptoms) and tolerance between the two groups of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Oestro-progestagen treatment did not provide further improvement when combined with rivastigmine during mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's disease.
Rigaud
Anne-Sophie
AS
Département de gériatrie, Service du Pr F. Forette, Hôpital Broca, Paris.
André
Gabriel
G
Vellas
Bruno
B
Touchon
Jacques
J
Pere
Jean-Jacques
JJ
Loria-Kanza
Yolande
Y
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D002219:Carbamates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004967:Estrogens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D010919:Placebos; D017698:Postmenopause; D011372:Progestins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068836:Rivastigmine
D002219:Carbamates; D004967:Estrogens; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D010919:Placebos; D011372:Progestins; D000068836:Rivastigmine