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Related Experiment Videos

Hydergine for dementia.

J Olin1, L Schneider, A Novit

  • 1Adult and Geriatric Treatment and Preventative Interventions Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, NIMH, Room 7160, MSC 9635, 6001 Executive Blvd., Bethesda, Maryland, 20892-9635, USA. jolin@mail.nih.gov

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|June 19, 2001
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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This review found that hydergine (ergoloid mesylates) significantly improved cognitive symptoms in dementia patients compared to placebo. However, the evidence for Alzheimer's disease specifically was modest, and diagnostic criteria were often unclear in older trials.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology and Cognitive Neurology
  • Pharmacological Efficacy in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Background:

  • Hydergine (ergoloid mesylates) is commonly used for dementia and age-related cognitive decline, but its efficacy remains debated.
  • Previous reviews had limitations, including biased study selection and subjective assessments, leading to inconsistent conclusions.
  • A prior meta-analysis by the reviewers indicated hydergine's overall effectiveness but noted weak evidence for Alzheimer's disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the overall efficacy of hydergine in patients with possible dementia.
  • To identify potential factors (moderators) influencing hydergine's treatment effect.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of hydergine.
  • Searched Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group register and proprietary databases.

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  • Included trials with treatment duration >1 week in subjects with dementia or dementia-like symptoms; extracted data for global and comprehensive rating scales.

    • Main Results:

    • Nineteen trials met inclusion criteria; data from 12 trials showed a significant effect favoring hydergine on global ratings (OR 3.78).
    • Data from 9 trials indicated a significant mean difference favoring hydergine on comprehensive rating scales (WMD 0.96).
    • Hydergine was well-tolerated; greater effects were associated with younger age and possibly higher doses, though subgroup analyses were largely non-significant.

    Conclusions:

    • Hydergine demonstrated significant treatment effects on both global and comprehensive rating scales in dementia patients.
    • Limited trial numbers and pre-1984 diagnostic criteria hindered subgroup analyses and introduced uncertainty regarding efficacy in specific dementia types.
    • Further research with standardized diagnostic criteria is needed to clarify hydergine's precise role in dementia treatment.