Summary: The number of patients suffering from Alzhemier's dementia is increasing with the age of their life and is becoming one of the important economic, medical and social problems.
The group of patients and methodology: The group consisted of 16 patients, women N=12, average age 79, 88 years/from 71,0 to 93,0_/with averge MMSE=15,75 points on the day of the initial examination, MMSE in the 6 month was 21,75 points and in the 12 month MMSE was 21,75 points.
Classifying criteria: 1. MMSE in the range from 10 to 25 points 2. The age over 5O 3. ICD-10 and DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for AD with late occurrence and for AD of 4. atypical and mixed type 5. The average changeble dose of rivastigmine from 9 to 12 mg pro die 6. The presense of BPSD and evident clinical symptoms of BPSD 7. Monitoring during 12 month
Results: Rivastigmine proved to be a safe drug not only for reduction of the cognitive deficit but also for diminution of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) what considerably improved the quality of life of the patients with low doses of taken antipsychotic drugs.
Conclusion: When BPSD appear different psychopharmaceuticals are used e.g. antipsychotics, antidepressants, benzodiazepins, and hypnotic agents. In our case the patients can benefit from dual effect of rivastigmine, its low interaction potential and good influence on BPSD and activities of daily life/ADL/ as well as on limitation of cognitive deficit.
References: 1.Benešová V.,Behaviorálne a psychologické príznaky demencie, Čes. a sSov. Psych.,96, No 1,pp30-37
2. Cummings J.,Ravi Anand…Rivastigmine Provides Behavioral Benefits to Alzhemier´s Disease Patients residing in a Nursing Home: Findings from a 26 week Trial, neurology 200,vol.54/7.suppl.3,pa 4 68/Abs.S 79.002 ...
14.Schneider L.S.,R.Anand,Farlow M.R.:Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Rivastigmine for Patients with Alzheimer ´s Disease, International Journal of Geriatric Psychopharmacology, EXL.1998,Vol.I., Suppl.1, p.S 26-S34
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