The CITIMEM study: A pilot study. Optimizing pharmacological treatment in dementia
Pietro Gareri1, Antonino Maria Cotroneo2, Giuseppe Orsitto3
1Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia - Catanzaro Lido, ASP Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|May 25, 2020
Summary
Adding citicoline to memantine treatment significantly improved cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mixed dementia (MD). This combination therapy offers a promising approach to managing cognitive decline in these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Citicoline enhances acetylcholine levels and phospholipid synthesis, supporting neuronal function and repair.
- Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist used for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Combined administration may offer synergistic effects in AD and mixed dementia (MD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of oral citicoline combined with memantine in patients with AD and MD.
- To assess the impact of this combination therapy on cognitive function and daily living activities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 126 patients (≥65 years) with AD or MD across four Italian centers.
- Patients received either memantine alone (Group A) or memantine plus citicoline 1g/day (Group B).
- Cognitive function (MMSE), daily function (ADL, IADL), and behavioral symptoms (NPI) were assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months.
Main Results:
- The combination group (memantine + citicoline) showed a significant increase in MMSE scores at 6 and 12 months compared to memantine alone.
- Significant differences in MMSE scores were observed between groups at both 6 months (p=0.003) and 12 months (p=0.000).
Conclusions:
- Combined memantine and citicoline therapy demonstrates significant benefits in improving cognitive function in patients with AD and MD.
- This combination therapy is a valuable strategy for managing dementia and potentially slowing disease progression.
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