[Galantamine therapy in dementia associated with CADASIL].
BACKGROUND
Cholinergic neuronal impairment has been suggested in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leucoencefalopathy (CADASIL). Cholinomimetic therapy could be useful.


METHODS
Four patients with CADASIL and dementia were treated with the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor galantamine and we assessed cognitive, behavioral, functional and the caregiver burden aspects. Three patients showed either mild improvement or stabilization in the behavior and caregiver burden.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest some benefit from galantamine treatment and they could support the existence of a cholinergic deficit in CADASIL.
Posada
I J
IJ
Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda Córdoba, s/n E-28041, Madrid, Spain. iposada.hdoc@salud.madrid.org
Ferrero
M
M
Lopez-Valdes
E
E
Goni-Imizcoz
M
M
D000368:Aged; D046589:CADASIL / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D017028:Caregivers; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003704:Dementia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005702:Galantamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D018697:Nootropic Agents; D005702:Galantamine