Rivastigmine in Wernicke-Korsakoff's syndrome: five patients with rivastigmine showed no more improvement than five patients without rivastigmine.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether rivastigmine, an achetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEl), may be effective in restoring memory in Wernicke-Korsakoff's syndrome (WKS).


METHODS
Five patients treated with rivastigmine for a period of 6 months were compared with five matched control patients, who received 6 months' conventional treatment, but without rivastigmine. Memory tests were administered at baseline and after 6 months.


RESULTS
Slight improvements were observed in both rivastigmine and control patients, but no significant differences in improvements were found between the study groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with rivastigmine may not be effective in restoring memory in WKS patients.
Luykx
Han J
HJ
Parnassia Groep, The Hague, The Netherlands. luykxj@parnassia.nl
Dorresteijn
Lucille D A
LD
Haffmans
P M Judith
PM
Bonebakker
Annette
A
Kerkmeer
Margreet
M
Hendriks
Vincent M
VM
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D020915:Korsakoff Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D048448:Phenylcarbamates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068836:Rivastigmine
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D000068836:Rivastigmine