Buspirone in the Management of Agitation and Aggression Associated With Dementia

Buspirone, a nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytic, has been shown to decrease aggression in animal models and reduce agitation in a small number of patients with organic brain syndromes. An open pilot study was conducted to assess the usefulness of buspirone in managing agitation and aggression in elderly dementia patients. Sixteen patients, ages 65-89, with various types of dementia associated with severe agitation and aggression were treated with buspirone. Outcome was measured by the Clinical Global Impression Scale. Significant improvement was noted in six patients. Buspirone holds promise as a modestly effective and relatively safe alternative to neuroleptics in the management of agitation and behavioral disturbances associated with dementia. More systematic trials are indicated.