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Galantamine for Alzheimer's disease
1Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Sydney, Edward Ford Building, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2006.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|October 21, 2004
Summary
Galantamine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, shows consistent positive effects in improving global ratings and cognitive function in Alzheimer
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Galantamine is a specific, competitive, and reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.
- Used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical effects of galantamine in patients with probable or possible Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- To identify potential moderators of galantamine's therapeutic effect.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.
- Included seven trials with 3777 subjects diagnosed with probable or possible AD.
- Assessed outcomes including global impression, cognitive function (ADAS-cog), daily living activities (ADCS-ADL), and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPI).
Main Results:
- Galantamine significantly improved global ratings and reduced cognitive decline (ADAS-cog) compared to placebo across various doses (16-36mg/day).
- Greater effects were observed over 6 months compared to 3 months.
- Adverse effects were dose-related and similar to other cholinesterase inhibitors.
Conclusions:
- Galantamine demonstrates consistent positive effects for 3-6 month treatment durations in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
- Doses above 8mg/day showed statistically significant benefits.
- A dose of 16mg/day appears well-tolerated and effective, suggesting it as a preferable initial dose.