Effects of prescribed medications on cognition and behavior in frontotemporal lobar degeneration

Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2010 Nov;25(7):566-71. doi: 10.1177/1533317510382285.

Abstract

A retrospective chart review of 21 patients meeting core clinical criteria for behavioral or aphasic variants of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) was conducted. Data recorded included Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, medications prescribed, and subjective reports of behavioral symptoms from each visit. Behaviors were graded on a scale from 1 to 3 and totaled for each visit. Changes in MMSE and behavior scores between visits 1 month and 6 months apart where a new medication was started were analyzed using a paired t test and were compared between medication classes using an unpaired t test. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) were associated with a decrease in MMSE scores by 1.6 (P = .02) and an increase in total behavior scores by 1.0 (P = .03). Mean MMSE and behavior scores were statistically more improved by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors than AChEIs (P = .04). This data suggest a potential worsening of objective measures of cognitive and behavioral symptoms in FTLD with AChEI treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Behavior / drug effects
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Cognition / drug effects*
  • Cognition Disorders / therapy
  • Dopamine Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Dopamine Agents
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors