Antiandrogen treatment of aggressivity in men suffering from dementia

Three demented patients who manifested an aggressive syndrome and motor disturbances including agitation, pacing, and restlessness received a therapeutic trial of the antiandrogen agents medroxyprogesterone acetate and luprolide acetate. Within 4 weeks of the start of the antiandrogen therapy, verbal and physical aggressivity had ceased; activity disturbances such as agitation, pacing, and restlessness were markedly reduced. One patient also manifested marked disinhibited and disruptive sexual behavior. Following treatment, that behavior also ceased. Further control studies assessing the efficacy and safety of antiandrogen agents are recommended.