The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update articles from February 2008

The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update archives from February 2008

'Watchful waiting' just as effective, less costly than newer antipsychotics for AD.(Cost-Benefit Results from CATIE--AD)
February 1, 2008... Following a course of "watchful waiting" before starting a patient on antipsychotic medication can result in significantly lower healthcare costs and may be just as effective as second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) in treating psychosis and...

Folate supplementation can reduce risk for depression, dementia, impairment.(All About Folate)
February 1, 2008... Folate deficiencies can lead to an increased risk of depression, poorer antidepressant treatment outcomes, and an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. However, this deficiency is modifiable through folate supplementation. ...

Probable agitation may be caused by aripiprazole.(Adverse Events)
February 1, 2008... Aripiprazole (Abilify) is a second generation antipsychotic with a unique pharmacological profile of being a partial D2 receptor agonist. One theoretical concern with this unique pharmacological profile is switching drug therapy in a patient...

Cholinesterase inhibitors and delay in onset of dementia not associated.(What's New in Research)(Medical condition overview)
February 1, 2008... Treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is not associated with any delay in the onset of dementia or Alzheimer's disease (AD). Findings from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled...

Risperidone augmentation for depression relapse prevention in older patients.(What's New in Research)
February 1, 2008... Citalopram augmented with risperidone was not statistically more effective than citalopram monotherapy in extending time to relapse in elderly patients with resistant depression. In a study comparing citalopram augmented with risperidone or...

APA releases updated practice guidelines for treating AD and other dementias.(News Notes)
February 1, 2008... The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has published new guidelines on the treatment of patients with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The 55-page document includes treatment recommendations, background information together with a...

Nilvadipine associated with lower risk of AD and cognitive decline.(News Notes)
February 1, 2008... A randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing 2 calcium channel blockers, found that nilvadipine but not amlodipine may prevent cognitive decline in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Although its precise mechanism of action is...

Apathy or depression in Alzheimer's patients?(Case Report)
February 1, 2008... Patient: Male, 76 years old Medications: Cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI); selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI); atenolol (Tenormin) Case: An elderly man with Alzheimer's disease (AD) was seen at his doctor's office,...

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) approved for long-term treatment of depression.(From the FDA)
February 1, 2008... Duloxetine (Cymbalta) received FDA approval on November 28, 2007 for maintenance treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Duloxetine is already approved for the acute treatment of MDD, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, and...

Possible fatal skin reactions to carbamazepine.(From the FDA)
February 1, 2008... The FDA has warned healthcare professionals of dangerous or possibly fatal skin reactions (Stevens Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis) to carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, and generic formulations). This risk is greater...

Memantine (generic): Namenda (brand).(YOUR MEDICATION INFORMATION)(Medical condition overview)
February 1, 2008... CLASSIFICATION: N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor antagonist. COMMON USAGE: Memantine is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type. IMPORTANT SIDE EFFECTS: The most frequently reported side...