Newer Neuroleptic Treatment in Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Lee, Jung Hyun; Oh, Byoung Hoon; Yoo, Kae Joon

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the treatment efficacy and safety of risperidone and olanzapine in elderly dementia patients.
METHODS
The study population consisted of 42 elderly patients in BPSD (Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia) with dementia for 'risperidone' and 'olanzapine' treatment. Clinical safety and efficacy were evaluated by CGI (Clinical Global Impression) and the side effects checklist.
RESULTS
The mean subject age was 68.2+/-5.9 consisting of 16 (38.1%) males and 26 (61.9%) females. The types of dementia among the 42 demented patients were as follows: 30 (71.5%) with Alzheimer's disease, 5 (11.9%) with vascular dementia, and 7 (16.7%) with unclassified dementia. The efficacy of risperidone and olanzapine was "marked improved 14.9% vs 34.0%", "moderately improved 45.2% vs 29.9%", and "mildly improved 30.3% vs 36.1%" by CGI. The incidence of adverse reaction was 25.8% vs 36.3%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Risperidone and olanzapine demonstrated highly useful and presented to be a well tolerated antipsychotic drug for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia between 1-2 mg vs 5-7.5 mg per daily dosage, respectively. However proper evaluation of mini-mental state examination, IADL (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) and larger number of elderly patients must be analyzed.