DEVELOPING TREATMENT GUIDELINES FOR ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE AND OTHER DEMENTIAS

Developing treatment guidelines for Alzheimer's disease and other deme ntias depends primarily on a literature review. A recent review sugges ts that tacrine is modestly effective in treating cognitive symptoms a nd that neuroleptic drugs are modestly effective in treating agitation and aggression. Few randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled tria ls of other agents used for the treatment of cognitive and noncognitiv e symptoms of dementia have been performed. A variety of behavioral/en vironmental interventions show modest but nonspecific effects in treat ing Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. Family-focused su pport interventions are moderately effective and may delay nursing hom e placement.