RESUMEN
We assessed the efficacy of the serotonin dopamine antagonist, perospirone (PER) on aggressive and agitated behavior in demented patients. Eighteen outpatients with dementia diagnosed according to the DSM-IV were enrolled in this study, and their behavioral symptoms and cognitive impairments were assessed with the Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease (BEHAVE-AD) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) instruments for a period of 6 weeks. The maximum benefit of PER was achieved at a mean dose of 7.4 mg/day. Post-hoc analysis showed significant improvement in verbal outbursts after 4 weeks and in agitation scores after 4 and 6 weeks. Only 2 patients dropped out of the study, because of adverse effects, and no serious adverse effect was observed. The data suggest that PER is effective in improving aggressive and agitated behavioral symptoms in demented patients and that it is safe to use in elderly patients.
Asunto(s)
Agresión/efectos de los fármacos , Antipsicóticos/farmacología , Demencia/fisiopatología , Indoles/farmacología , Tiazoles/farmacología , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Femenino , Humanos , Isoindoles , Masculino , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the serotonin-dopamine antagonist perospirone in treating aggressive and agitated behavior in patients with dementia. Six patients were referred to the outpatient clinic of Ishizaki Hospital and were followed for 6 weeks. Their psychiatric diagnoses were made using the DSM-IV. Their behavioral symptoms and degrees of cognitive impairment were measured using the Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease (BEHAVE-AD) and the Mini-Mental Examination State. The changes in BEHAVE-AD scores were investigated. Maximum benefit was achieved at a mean perospirone dose of 9.0 mg/day. No patient experienced severe adverse effects. Post-hoc analysis showed significant improvement in the total BEHAVE-AD and aggressiveness subscale scores within 2 weeks. This study suggests that perospirone is effective in improving aggressive and agitated behavioral symptoms in demented patients and is safe to use in elderly patients.