Which drugs are best when aggressive Alzheimer's patients need medication?
No Thumbnail Available
Meeting name
Sponsors
Date
Journal Title
Format
Article
Subject
Abstract
Atypical antipsychotics are an effective short-term (6-12 weeks) treatment for aggressive behavior in patients with Alzheimer's disease because they consistently decrease aggression scores (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, multiple randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). However, evidence of drug-related deaths in patients taking these drugs mandates weighing the benefits against the risks. SSRIs may be a safer, effective alternative (SOR: B, limited studies). Evidence for the efficacy of antiepileptic agents is conflicting (SOR: C, inconsistent patient-oriented evidence). Valproate is ineffective for treating aggression (SOR: C, very small RCT). No data exist to guide long-term medication use. All available studies lasted no longer than 12 weeks. Nonpharmacologic therapy should be the first-line treatment for aggression in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Consider drug therapy for patients who pose an imminent threat to themselves or others.
Table of Contents
DOI
PubMed ID
Degree
Thesis Department
Rights
OpenAccess.
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 License.