title: Cholinesterase Inhibitors for Lewy Body Disorders: A Meta-Analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We performed a meta-analysis of cholinesterase inhibitors for patients with Lewy body disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, Parkinson's disease dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies.
  
  
  METHODS
  The meta-analysis included only randomized controlled trials of cholinesterase inhibitors for Lewy body disorders.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventeen studies (n = 1798) were assessed. Cholinesterase inhibitors significantly improved cognitive function (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.53], behavioral disturbances (SMD = -0.28), activities of daily living (SMD = -0.28), and global function (SMD = -0.52) compared with control treatments. Changes in motor function were not significantly different from control treatments. Furthermore, the cholinesterase inhibitor group had a higher all-cause discontinuation (risk ratio [RR] = 1.48, number needed to harm [NNH] = 14), discontinuation due to adverse events (RR = 1.59, NNH = 20), at least one adverse event (RR = 1.13, NNH = 11), nausea (RR = 2.50, NNH = 13), and tremor (RR = 2.30, NNH = 20).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cholinesterase inhibitors appear beneficial for the treatment of Lewy body disorders without detrimental effects on motor function. However, a careful monitoring of treatment compliance and side effects is required.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan (Drs Matsunaga, Kishi, Yasue, and Iwata). shinjim@fujita-hu.ac.jp tarok@fujita-hu.ac.jp.
authors.forename: Shinji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matsunaga
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan (Drs Matsunaga, Kishi, Yasue, and Iwata). shinjim@fujita-hu.ac.jp tarok@fujita-hu.ac.jp.
authors.forename: Taro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kishi
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan (Drs Matsunaga, Kishi, Yasue, and Iwata).
authors.forename: Ichiro
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Yasue
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan (Drs Matsunaga, Kishi, Yasue, and Iwata).
authors.forename: Nakao
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Iwata
mesh_terms: D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D020961:Lewy Body Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors
keywords: Lewy body disorders; Parkinson’s disease; cholinesterase inhibitors; dementia with Lewy bodies; meta-analysis