Preliminary findings: behavioral worsening on donepezil in patients with frontotemporal dementia.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, in the treatment of frontotemporal dementia (FTD).


METHODS
Twelve patients with FTD who received donepezil for six months were compared with 12 FTD controls on behavioral measures.


RESULTS
The groups did not differ on most variables at baseline or at six months; however, the donepezil group had greater worsening on the FTD Inventory. Four treated patients had increased disinhibited or compulsive acts, which abated with discontinuation of the medication.


CONCLUSIONS
There were no changes in global cognitive performance or dementia severity; however, a subgroup of patients with FTD can experience worsening of symptoms with donepezil.
Mendez
Mario F
MF
Department of Neurology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. mmendez@ucla.edu
Shapira
Jill S
JS
McMurtray
Aaron
A
Licht
Eliot
E
D001526:Behavioral Symptoms / Q000139:chemically induced*; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003192:Compulsive Behavior / Q000139:chemically induced; D003704:Dementia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000077265:Donepezil; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007189:Indans / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010880:Piperidines / Q000009:adverse effects*
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D007189:Indans; D010880:Piperidines; D000077265:Donepezil