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Estrogen for dementia-related aggression in elderly men
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, USA. pshelton@dhr.state.nc.us
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|August 31, 1999
Summary
Conjugated estrogens effectively reduced aggression in two elderly men with dementia. This treatment shows promise for managing behavioral symptoms in older adults with cognitive impairment.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Neuropharmacology
- Dementia Research
Background:
- Aggression is a challenging behavioral symptom in elderly individuals with dementia.
- Current pharmacologic treatments for dementia-related aggression have limitations.
Observation:
- Two elderly men with Alzheimer and vascular dementia, respectively, exhibited significant aggression unresponsive to standard therapies.
- Conjugated estrogens were administered at 1.875 mg/d and 0.625 mg/d.
Findings:
- Conjugated estrogens led to a 75% reduction in physical aggression in Case 1.
- Conjugated estrogens resulted in an 80% decline in physical and sexual aggression and a 55% reduction in sexual comments in Case 2.
- Estrogen therapy was well-tolerated in both cases.
Implications:
- Conjugated estrogens may represent a viable alternative pharmacologic intervention for managing aggression in elderly men with dementia.
- Further research is warranted to establish the precise role and efficacy of estrogen therapy in this population.
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