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Pentoxifylline in cerebrovascular dementia
R S Black1, L L Barclay, K A Nolan
1Dementia Research Service, Cornell University Medical College, Burke Rehabilitation Center, White Plains, New York 10605.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Pentoxifylline may slow the progression of vascular dementia in patients with evidence of cerebrovascular disease. This hemorheologic agent showed significant benefits in subgroups with stroke evidence, suggesting a potential therapeutic role.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Vascular dementia is a progressive neurological disorder.
- Pentoxifylline is a hemorheologic agent used for intermittent claudication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of pentoxifylline in slowing the course of vascular dementia.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 64 patients with multi-infarct dementia.
- Patients received pentoxifylline (400 mg three times daily) or placebo for 36 weeks.
- The Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS) was used to measure cognitive and non-cognitive function.
Main Results:
- Overall, pentoxifylline did not significantly slow deterioration on the total ADAS (P = 0.058).
- However, in patients with CT/MRI evidence of stroke, pentoxifylline significantly slowed deterioration (total ADAS, P = 0.023).
- In patients with at least one clinical stroke, pentoxifylline significantly reduced deterioration across all ADAS measures (total ADAS, P = 0.002).
Conclusions:
- Pentoxifylline may offer a therapeutic benefit in slowing dementia progression.
- The drug appears most effective in patients with confirmed cerebrovascular disease, including clinical strokes.