A double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study of tacrine for Alzheimer's disease
Article Abstract:
The cholinesterase inhibitor tacrine may slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that is characterized by decreased activity of nerve cells that use the substance acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter. Among 215 Alzheimer's disease patients who improved during initial treatment with tacrine, 103 were treated with 10 or 20 milligrams of tacrine four times a day and 112 received a placebo, an inactive substance, over a six-week period. Patients who were treated with tacrine suffered a smaller loss of cognitive function over the six-week treatment period than those who received a placebo. Patients in the tacrine group also experienced a significantly smaller decrease in their ability to perform daily living activities than the patients who received a placebo. Patients treated with tacrine experienced mild reversible side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort or a headache.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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Treatment of Alzheimer's disease - searching for a breakthrough, settling for less
Article Abstract:
More research is needed to determine whether selegiline and vitamin E can delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease. A 1997 study found that the two drugs could double survival rates and increase the time until institutionalization. However, this was only seen when the data were adjusted to account for differences in scores on a test of mental status. The drugs also did not improve the scores on these tests, indicating that they may not have actually affected the disease process. As of 1997, only two drugs have been approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in the US.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1997
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A controlled trial of selegiline, alpha-tocopherol, or both as treatment for Alzheimer's disease
Article Abstract:
Selegiline and alpha-tocopherol may slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Selegiline and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) can both function as anti-oxidants and there is evidence that free radicals may be implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers randomly assigned 341 patients with Alzheimer's disease to take selegiline, alpha-tocopherol, both drugs or a placebo for two years. Both drugs seemed to delay the development of dementia and the loss of function.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1997
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