CLINICAL-EXPERIENCE WITH ANIRACETAM IN THE TREATMENT OF SENILE DEMENTIA OF THE ALZHEIMER-TYPE AND RELATED DISORDERS

The clinical efficacy and tolerability of aniracetam have been evaluat ed in elderly patients with senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type (S DAT), and in patients with senile cognitive decline. In 2 separate dou ble-blind multicentre clinical trials in elderly patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment consistent with probable SDAT, aniracet am (1500 mg/day) was compared with placebo and piracetam (2400 mg/day) , respectively, over a 6-month treatment period. Improvement in cognit ive functions was observed in the aniracetam-treated group, while the placebo-treated group showed a slow but steady decline in psychobehavi oural parameters, with a statistically and clinically significant diff erence in favour of the aniracetam-treated group. Treatment with anira cetam was also more effective than piracetam treatment, as demonstrate d by a battery of psychobehavioural tests. Aniracetam was well tolerat ed in both studies; adverse events reported in aniracetam-treated pati ents were generally mild and short lasting, and did not necessitate wi thdrawal of treatment. These data suggest that aniracetam is effective in the treatment of symptoms in patients with SDAT; nevertheless, fur ther clinical trials should be performed to confirm the long term effi cacy of the drug. In conclusion, aniracetam appears to be a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of elderly patients suffering fro m cognitive decline and other related symptoms suggestive of SDAT.