[A contribution to the current discussion on anti-dementia drugs in Germany].
In Germany, the role of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become a topic of recent discussion. The present article addresses issues which, in the opinion of the authors, have not received sufficient attention. These include the distinction between statistical and clinical significance, outcome parameters, the duration of clinical trials, variability in treatment response and the definition of treatment responders. The authors argue that these issues need to be considered in an in-depth evaluation of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of AD.
Jessen
F
F
Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universität Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53105, Bonn. Jessen@uni-bonn.de
Maier
W
W
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors