The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update articles from August 2004

The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update archives from August 2004

UK study--AD2000--evaluates longterm benefits of donepezil for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.(Alzheimer's Disease)
August 1, 2004... PRECIS * Double-blind study design with a 12 week run-in period to determine efficacy and cost-effectiveness of donepezil (Aricept). * 565 community-resident patients with mild to moderate AD. * Patients randomly assigned to...

Clinicians should be wary of lithium toxicity when adding a COX-2 inhibitor.(Drug-Drug Interactions)
August 1, 2004... The selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors have been increasingly used for management of pain and inflammatory conditions. (1) Compared to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the COX-2 inhibitors have a very good safety profile...

Amantadine may improve symptoms of frontal lobal syndrome.(What's New In Research)
August 1, 2004... PRECIS * Open, uncontrolled chart review. * 30 patients treated for executive dysfunction syndrom. * Amantadine 200 mg/day, most common dose. * Indication that amantadine was beneficial and well-tolerated. ********** ...

Elderly diabetics respond to depression treatment program.(What's New In Research)
August 1, 2004... PRECIS * Subgroup analysis of randomized controlled trial. * Examined benefits of collaborative care for depressed, diabetic patients. * 1801 elderly patients with depression; 417 with coexisting diabetes. * Treatment program...

Conventional antipsychotics and sudden cardiac death.(What's New In Research)
August 1, 2004... PRECIS * Population-based, case control study. * Among 250,000 deaths, 582 attributed to sudden cardiac death. * Use of conventional antipsychotics increased risk for sudden cardiac death. ********** A case control study...

Haloperidol (generic): Haldol (brand).(Your Medication Information)
August 1, 2004... CLASSIFICATION: Antipsychotic. COMMON USAGE: For treating psychotic disorders; for the control of tics and vocal utterances of Tourette's syndrome. IMPORTANT SIDE EFFECTS: Slowed movements; rigidity; tremor; blank expression...

Drop in blood pressure may precede AD onset.(News Notes)(Alzheimer's disease)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... A report in the July issue of Stroke found that in patients over age 75, blood pressure starts to drop three years before a diagnosis of dementia and continues to decline afterward. The study followed 947 dementia-free elderly individuals for...

AAGP endorses legislation to address mental health needs of elderly.(News Notes)(American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry announced that it endorsed a new bill designed to improve access to quality mental health services for the elderly. The "Positive Aging Act" was introduced by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton...

Study links heart disease, Alzheimer's.(News Notes)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... New research has shown that toxic protein clusters clog the brains of Alzheimer's patients--and the hearts of people with heart failure. Toxic protein clusters, similar to beta amyloids, appear in the brains of patients with Huntington's...

Legislation would double spending on AD research.(News Notes)(Alzheimer's disease)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Earlier this month, identical bills that would increase spending on Alzheimer's research were introduced in the House and Senate, the Detroit Free Press reported. The bills would double the money allocated to the National Institutes of Health...

Specific kinds of memory may remain intact in AD patients.(News Notes)(Alzheimer's disease )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... People with Alzheimer's disease might retain the capacity for a specific form of memory, suggesting they may be "trained" to preserve some of their mental functioning, according to new a new study. Randy L. Buckner, Ph.D., of the Washington...

Serzone label revisions.(From the FDA)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Bristol-Myers Squibb and the FDA announced labeling revisions for the antidepressant nefazodone (Serzone) concerning hepatic failure and suicidality. The new label encourages healthcare providers to engage in a thorough risk-benefit analysis...

GSK revises labels for Paxil and Wellbutrin.(From the FDA)(GlaxoSmithKline )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... In response to a previous request by the FDA, GlaxoSmithKline has revised the labeling for paroxetine (Paxil) and bupropion (Wellbutrin). The "Warnings" section now alerts healthcare professionals that patients (both adult and pediatric) with...

ECT for AD patient taking donepezil.(Case Report)(Alzheimer's disease)(electroconvulsive therapy)
August 1, 2004... Patient: male, 76 y/o Medications: donepezil (Aricept), fluvoxamine (Luvox), risperidone (Risperdal) Comment: A 76-year old man with a history of recurrent major depressive disorder was admitted to a geriatric unit after experiencing a...