The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update articles from November 2005

The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update archives from November 2005

Homocysteine and B vitamins may be risk factors for cognitive decline: is supplementation warranted?(NEW RESEARCH: ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE)(Clinical report)
November 1, 2005... precis * Two new studies investigate homocysteine, folate and other B vitamins as risk factors for cognitive decline * Low plasma folate significantly associated with declines in spatial copying ability; elevated homocysteine strongly...

N.Y. advocates hail landmark mental health law for seniors.(LEGISLATIVE WATCH)
November 1, 2005... precis * New Geriatric Mental Health Act signed into law in New York * Bill slated to address unmet mental health needs of older adults * This landmark law is being closely watched by many other states, who may follow suite by...

Treating elderly patients with major depression: sertraline vs fluvoxamine.(WHAT'S NEW IN RESEARCH)(Clinical report)
November 1, 2005... precis * Double-blind, randomized, study comparing sertraline and fluvoxamine to treat major depression in 93 hospitalized patients (older than 59 years) * Both sertraline and fluvoxamine may be effective in treating depression in the...

What is the impact of selenium on mood and quality of life?(WHAT'S NEW IN RESEARCH)(Medical condition overview)
November 1, 2005... precis * 26-week, randomized, double-blind, multi-site, placebo-controlled trial investigating effects of selenium on mood in 501 elderly subjects (ages 6074 years) * Plasma selenium was significantly increased above baseline values...

AAGP comments on FDA advisory on off-label use of atypical antipsychotics.(NEWS NOTES)
November 1, 2005... The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) has commented on the FDA's advisory on off-label use of atypical antipsychotics in the elderly. The AAGP is of the opinion that available evidence of short-term trials in nursing home...

Alzheimer's disease and green tea antioxidant EGCG.(NEWS NOTES)
November 1, 2005... Results of a new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience suggest that the antioxidant polyphenol (epigallocatechin-3-gallate [EGCG]) in green tea may have potential use in preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) in humans. A...

Rozerem (ramelteon) available in U.S. pharmacies.(NEWS NOTES)
November 1, 2005... Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America (TPNA) announced that Rozerem (ramelteon) 8 mg tablets have received FDA approval for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty with sleep onset. It is now available by prescription in U.S....

Zopiclone withdrawal and delirium in the elderly.(CASE REPORT)
November 1, 2005... Patient: female, 74 y/o Medications: zopiclone (Imovane), atorvastatin (Lipitor), acarbose (Precose), glipizide (Glucotrol), allopurinol (Zyloprim), perindopril (Aceon), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), metoprolol, aspirin Comments: A...

Reports of medication errors.(From the FDA)
November 1, 2005... AstraZeneca and the FDA have notified healthcare professionals about dispensing or prescribing errors in medication due to somewhat similar-sounding brand names for Toprol-XL (metoprolol succinate) and Topamax (topiramate) from Ortho-McNeil...

New acting FDA Commissioner.(From the FDA)
November 1, 2005... Lester Crawford, FDA Commissioner since 2002, announced his resignation on September 23, 2005. President Bush announced his intention to designate Andrew von Eschenbach, of Texas, to be Acting Commissioner of Food and Drugs at the FDA....

Dr. Throckmorton new Deputy Director of CDER.(From the FDA)(Center for Drug Evaluation and Research)(Brief article)
November 1, 2005... The FDA announced that it has selected Dr. Douglas Throckmorton as the Deputy Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). He joined the FDA in 1997 and has been acting Deputy Director of CDER since May 2004. In addition to...