Escitalopram Treatment for BPSD in Alzheimer's Disease in Comparison to Risperidone
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2010-05-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are among the most distressing
manifestations of dementia. Pharmacotherapy is frequently used and especially in
institutional settings. Current guidelines recommend the use of second-generation
antipsychotics (SGAs). Nonetheless, there are concerns regarding both their safety and
effectiveness in patients with dementia. Inconclusive evidence support the use of other
psychoactive agents such as SSRI antidepressants or cognitive enhancers.
In two published studies citalopram was as efficacious as, but better tolerated than
perphenazine or risperidone in patients with BPSD.
Thus, with proven efficacy and a beneficial safety profile the evaluation of the use of
escitalopram for BPSD is warranted.