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Knorz AL, Quante A. Alzheimer's Disease: Efficacy of Mono- and Combination Therapy. A Systematic Review. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2022; 35:475-486. [PMID: 34476990 PMCID: PMC9210120 DOI: 10.1177/08919887211044746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder and the most prevalent cause of dementia. In spite of the urgent need for more effective AD drug therapy strategies, evidence of the efficacy of combination therapy with existing drugs remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of combined drug therapy on cognition and progress in patients with AD in comparison to single agent drug therapy. METHODS The electronic databases MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched to identify relevant publications. Only randomized controlled clinical trials were included, but no limits were applied to language or time published. Data were extracted from May 27th until December 29th, 2020. RESULTS Three trials found that a combination of ChEI with additional memantine provides a slight benefit for patients with moderate to severe AD over ChEI monotherapy and placebo. However, a further 4 trials could not replicate this effect. One trial reported benefits of add-on Gingko biloba in donepezil-treated patients with moderate AD (using a formula containing Gingko and other antioxidants) compared to donepezil with placebo. A further trial found no significant effect of combining EGb 761® and donepezil in patients with probable AD over donepezil with placebo. Approaches with idalopirdine, atorvastatin or vitamin supplementation in combination with ChEI have not proven effective and have not been retried since. Fluoxetine and ST101 have shown partial benefits in combination with ChEI over ChEI monotherapy and placebo. However, these effects must be replicated by further research. CONCLUSION Additional memantine in combination with ChEI might be of slight benefit in patients with moderate to severe AD, but evidence is ambiguous. Longer trials are needed. No major cognitive benefit is missed, if solely appropriate ChEI monotherapy is initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian L. Knorz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arnim Quante
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich von Bodelschwingh Klinik, Berlin, Germany
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Wang H, Zong Y, Han Y, Zhao J, Liu H, Liu Y. Compared of efficacy and safety of high-dose donepezil vs standard-dose donepezil among elderly patients with Alzheimer’s disease: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2022; 21:407-415. [DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2022.2027905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hecheng Wang
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, Liao Ning, China
| | - Yu Zong
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, Liao Ning, China
| | - Yanshuo Han
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, Liao Ning, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, Liao Ning, China
| | - Hongqun Liu
- Medical School, Changchun sci-tech university, Changchun, 130600, Ji Lin, China
| | - Yong Liu
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, Liao Ning, China
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Martinkova J, Quevenco FC, Karcher H, Ferrari A, Sandset EC, Szoeke C, Hort J, Schmidt R, Chadha AS, Ferretti MT. Proportion of Women and Reporting of Outcomes by Sex in Clinical Trials for Alzheimer Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2124124. [PMID: 34515784 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.24124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Women represent two-thirds of patients with Alzheimer disease (AD), and sex differences might affect results of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). However, little information exists on differences in sex as reported in RCTs for AD. OBJECTIVE To assess the ratio of females to males and the reporting of sex-stratified data in large pharmaceutical RCTs for AD. DATA SOURCES A search for pharmaceutical RCTs for AD was conducted on September 4, 2019, using ClinicalTrials.gov with the key word Alzheimer disease, and articles related to those trials were identified using the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Searches were conducted between September 4 and October 31, 2019, and between April 15 and May 31, 2020. STUDY SELECTION Controlled RCTs that had more than 100 participants and tested the efficacy of drugs or herbal extracts were included. Of 1047 RCTs identified, 409 were published and therefore screened. A total of 77 articles were included in the final analysis, including 56 primary articles on AD, 13 secondary articles on AD, and 8 articles on mild cognitive impairment. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS The location and date of publication; number, sex, and age of patients enrolled; disease severity; experimental or approved status of the drug; and whether the study included a sex-stratified analysis in the protocol, methods, or results were extracted by 1 reviewer for each article, and the meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. Data were analyzed using a mixed-effects model. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The mean proportion of women enrolled in the trials and the associations between prespecified variables were analyzed. The proportion of articles that included sex-stratified results and the temporal trends in the reporting of these results were also studied. RESULTS In this review of 56 RCTs for AD involving 39 575 participants, 23 348 women (59.0%) were included. The mean (SD) proportion of women in RCTs of approved drugs was 67.3% (6.9%), and in RCTs of experimental drugs was 57.9% (5.9%). The proportion of women in RCTs of experimental drugs was significantly lower than the proportion of women in the general population with AD in the US (62.1%; difference, -4.56% [95% CI, -6.29% to -2.87%]; P < .001) and Europe (68.2%; difference, -10.67% [95% CI, -12.39% to -8.97%]; P < .001). Trials of approved drugs had a higher probability of including women than trials of experimental drugs (odds ratio [OR], 1.26; 95% CI, 1.05-1.52; P = .02). Both the severity of AD at baseline and the trial location were associated with the probability of women being enrolled in trials (severity: OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-1.00; P = .02; location in Europe: OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.05-1.52; P = .01; location in North America: OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.71-0.93; P = .002). Only 7 articles (12.5%) reported sex-stratified results, with an increasing temporal trend (R, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.05-0.59; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the proportion of women in RCTs for AD, although higher than the proportion of men, was significantly lower than that in the general population. Only a small proportion of trials reported sex-stratified results. These findings support strategies to improve diversity in enrollment and data reporting in RCTs for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Martinkova
- Memory Clinic, Department of Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
- Women's Brain Project, Guntershausen, Switzerland
| | - Frances-Catherine Quevenco
- Women's Brain Project, Guntershausen, Switzerland
- Roche Diagnostics International Ltd, Rotkreuz, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Cassandra Szoeke
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jakub Hort
- Memory Clinic, Department of Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Reinhold Schmidt
- Department of Neurogeriatrics, University Clinic of Neurology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
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Wedlund L, Kvedar J. Simulated trials: in silico approach adds depth and nuance to the RCT gold-standard. NPJ Digit Med 2021; 4:121. [PMID: 34381148 PMCID: PMC8357951 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-021-00492-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Chebotareva AD, Levin OS. [Practical aspects of using donepezil in the treatment of dementia]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2020; 120:137-143. [PMID: 33081459 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2020120091137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Donepezil is the most commonly used drug of the group of cholinesterase inhibitors. It is recommended for tretament of Alzheimer's disease. Donepezil is also used to treat dementia in Lewy body disease, Parkinson's disease with dementia, and vascular dementia. In Russia, donepezil is not used as often, which is facilitated by the concern of doctors about the possibility of serious side-effects. Clinical studies demonstrate the safety and good tolerability of donepezil. Our study included 62 patients with dementia due to various neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body disease, Parkinson's disease with dementia). Thirty-seven patients (59.7%) started to receive donepezil. Side-effects, including bradycardia, hypertension, aggressive behavior, increased tremor, were observed in 7 patients (18.9%). There was no correlation between the development of side-effects and polymorphisms of the CYP2D6 and MDR1 genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Chebotareva
- Russian Medicl Academy of Continuing Professional Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - O S Levin
- Russian Medicl Academy of Continuing Professional Education, Moscow, Russia
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Cao Y, Qian L, Yu W, Li T, Mao S, Han G. Donepezil plus memantine versus donepezil alone for treatment of concomitant Alzheimer's disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a retrospective observational study. J Int Med Res 2020; 48:300060520902895. [PMID: 32046559 PMCID: PMC7111061 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520902895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the clinical outcomes of donepezil plus memantine (DM) and donepezil (DO) alone in Asian patients with a concomitant diagnosis of moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease and mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AD-COPD). Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with AD-COPD who received either DM or DO for 6 months, or until the occurrence of unacceptable adverse events or disease progression, between June 2012 and May 2016. The primary endpoint was the score on the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE). Secondary endpoints were scores on the caregiver-rated Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Dementia Quality of Life (DEMQOL)-Proxy, and General Health Questionnaire 12. Results In total, 154 eligible patients received DM, whereas 156 received DO. Compared with patients who received DO, patients who received DM had significantly higher mean scores on the SMMSE by 2.1 points (95% confidence interval, 1.3–2.5). Significant between-group heterogeneity was not detected in outcomes over time. The benefits of treatment with DM were greater than those of treatment with DO, in terms of the primary endpoint. Significant differences were also detected in terms of secondary endpoints. Conclusion DM is more effective than DO alone for Asian patients with AD-COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyi Cao
- Department of Treatment Center For Traumatic Injuries, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Qian
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weiguang Yu
- Department of Orthopeadics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Mao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guowei Han
- Department of Orthopeadics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of amyloid β in the form of extracellular plaques and by intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, with eventual neurodegeneration and dementia. There is currently no disease-modifying treatment though several symptomatic medications exist with modest benefit on cognition. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors have a consistent benefit across all stages of dementia; their benefit in mild cognitive impairment and prodromal AD is unproven. Memantine has a smaller benefit on cognition overall which is limited to the moderate to severe stages, and the combination of a cholinesterase inhibitor and memantine may have additional efficacy. Evidence for the efficacy of vitamin E supplementation and medical foods is weak but might be considered in the context of cost, availability, and safety in individual patients. Apparently promising disease-modifying interventions, mostly addressing the amyloid cascade hypothesis of AD, have recently failed to demonstrate efficacy so novel approaches must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Joe
- Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine at USC, 1520 San Pablo Street Suite 3000, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - John M Ringman
- Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine at USC, 1520 San Pablo Street Suite 3000, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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Hong YJ, Han HJ, Youn YC, Park KW, Yang DW, Kim S, Kim HJ, Kim JE, Lee JH. Safety and tolerability of donepezil 23 mg with or without intermediate dose titration in patients with Alzheimer's disease taking donepezil 10 mg: a multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-design, three-arm, prospective trial. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2019; 11:37. [PMID: 31039806 PMCID: PMC6492390 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-019-0492-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-dose donepezil is currently prescribed for patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) who showed poor or waning response to a lower dose at the risk of increasing cholinergic side effects. However, the adverse events (AEs) depending on the method of dose escalation have not been clarified yet. This study aimed to find out whether dose titration before escalating to donepezil 23 mg is preferred. We investigated safety and tolerability of donepezil 23 mg during the first 12 weeks of dose escalation in patients with moderate to severe AD. METHODS This study was a 12-week, multicenter, randomized, open-label prospective trial. We included patients with moderate to severe AD who were treated with a stable dose of donepezil 10 mg/day. Patients were randomized into 3 groups according to the dose escalation method: 15 mg of donepezil for 4 weeks before escalating to 23 mg (group 1), 10 mg and 23 mg on alternate days for 4 weeks prior to escalation (group 2), and direct escalation to 23 mg (group 3). Safety analyses included incidence, severity, timing of AEs, relationship to the study drug, and premature study discontinuation due to AEs between the groups. RESULTS Among 175 enrolled, 110 patients completed the study. Baseline characteristics were similar among the groups. Using safety population (N = 160), cholinergic gastrointestinal symptoms including anorexia and nausea were the most common AEs and titration groups showed significantly fewer cases of nausea as compared with those in no-titration group. CONCLUSIONS In this study, dose titration before escalating to donepezil 23 mg/day showed better safety in terms of cholinergic AEs. We suggest that dose titration during the first 4 weeks can be recommended for patients with moderate to severe AD. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov , NCT02550665. Retrospectively registered on 15 Sep 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Jeong Hong
- Neurology, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, Uijeongbu, South Korea.,Neurology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun Jeong Han
- Neurology, Dementia and Neurocognitive Center, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Myongji Hospital, Ilsan, South Korea
| | - Young Chul Youn
- Neurology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung Won Park
- Neurology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Dong Won Yang
- Neurology, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - SangYun Kim
- Neurology, Seoul National University College of Medicine & Neurocognitive Behavior Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Hwa Jung Kim
- Preventive Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Eun Kim
- Neurology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung Asan Hospital, Gangneung, South Korea
| | - Jae-Hong Lee
- Neurology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea.
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McShane R, Westby MJ, Roberts E, Minakaran N, Schneider L, Farrimond LE, Maayan N, Ware J, Debarros J. Memantine for dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 3:CD003154. [PMID: 30891742 PMCID: PMC6425228 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003154.pub6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Memantine is a moderate affinity uncompetitive antagonist of glutamate NMDA receptors. It is licensed for use in moderate and severe Alzheimer's disease (AD); in the USA, it is also widely used off-label for mild AD. OBJECTIVES To determine efficacy and safety of memantine for people with dementia. To assess whether memantine adds benefit for people already taking cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs). SEARCH METHODS We searched ALOIS, the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group's register of trials (http://www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/alois/) up to 25 March 2018. We examined clinical trials registries, press releases and posters of memantine manufacturers; and the web sites of the FDA, EMEA and NICE. We contacted authors and companies for missing information. SELECTION CRITERIA Double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled, randomised trials of memantine in people with dementia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We pooled and analysed data from four clinical domains across different aetiologies and severities of dementia and for AD with agitation. We assessed the impact of study duration, severity and concomitant use of ChEIs. Consequently, we restricted analyses to the licensed dose (20 mg/day or 28 mg extended release) and data at six to seven months duration of follow-up, and analysed separately results for mild and moderate-to-severe AD.We transformed results for efficacy outcomes into the difference in points on particular outcome scales. MAIN RESULTS Across all types of dementia, data were available from almost 10,000 participants in 44 included trials, most of which were at low or unclear risk of bias. For nearly half the studies, relevant data were obtained from unpublished sources. The majority of trials (29 in 7885 participants) were conducted in people with AD.1. Moderate-to-severe AD (with or without concomitant ChEIs). High-certainty evidence from up to 14 studies in around 3700 participants consistently shows a small clinical benefit for memantine versus placebo: clinical global rating (CGR): 0.21 CIBIC+ points (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 0.30); cognitive function (CF): 3.11 Severe Impairment Battery (SIB) points (95% CI 2.42 to 3.92); performance on activities of daily living (ADL): 1.09 ADL19 points (95% CI 0.62 to 1.64); and behaviour and mood (BM): 1.84 Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) points (95% CI 1.05 to 2.76). There may be no difference in the number of people discontinuing memantine compared to placebo: risk ratio (RR) 0.93 (95% CI 0.83 to 1.04) corresponding to 13 fewer people per 1000 (95% CI 31 fewer to 7 more). Although there is moderate-certainty evidence that fewer people taking memantine experience agitation as an adverse event: RR 0.81 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.99) (25 fewer people per 1000, 95% CI 1 to 44 fewer), there is also moderate-certainty evidence, from three additional studies, suggesting that memantine is not beneficial as a treatment for agitation (e.g. Cohen Mansfield Agitation Inventory: clinical benefit of 0.50 CMAI points, 95% CI -3.71 to 4.71) .The presence of concomitant ChEI does not impact on the difference between memantine and placebo, with the possible exceptions of the BM outcome (larger effect in people taking ChEIs) and the CF outcome (smaller effect).2. Mild AD (Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) 20 to 23): mainly moderate-certainty evidence based on post-hoc subgroups from up to four studies in around 600 participants suggests there is probably no difference between memantine and placebo for CF: 0.21 ADAS-Cog points (95% CI -0.95 to 1.38); performance on ADL: -0.07 ADL 23 points (95% CI -1.80 to 1.66); and BM: -0.29 NPI points (95% CI -2.16 to 1.58). There is less certainty in the CGR evidence, which also suggests there may be no difference: 0.09 CIBIC+ points (95% CI -0.12 to 0.30). Memantine (compared with placebo) may increase the numbers of people discontinuing treatment because of adverse events (RR 2.12, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.39).3. Mild-to-moderate vascular dementia. Moderate- and low-certainty evidence from two studies in around 750 participants indicates there is probably a small clinical benefit for CF: 2.15 ADAS-Cog points (95% CI 1.05 to 3.25); there may be a small clinical benefit for BM: 0.47 NOSGER disturbing behaviour points (95% CI 0.07 to 0.87); there is probably no difference in CGR: 0.03 CIBIC+ points (95% CI -0.28 to 0.34); and there may be no difference in ADL: 0.11 NOSGER II self-care subscale points (95% CI -0.35 to 0.54) or in the numbers of people discontinuing treatment: RR 1.05 (95% CI 0.83 to 1.34).There is limited, mainly low- or very low-certainty efficacy evidence for other types of dementia (Parkinson's disease and dementia Lewy bodies (for which CGR may show a small clinical benefit; four studies in 319 people); frontotemporal dementia (two studies in 133 people); and AIDS-related Dementia Complex (one study in 140 people)).There is high-certainty evidence showing no difference between memantine and placebo in the proportion experiencing at least one adverse event: RR 1.03 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.06); the RR does not differ between aetiologies or severities of dementia. Combining available data from all trials, there is moderate-certainty evidence that memantine is 1.6 times more likely than placebo to result in dizziness (6.1% versus 3.9%), low-certainty evidence of a 1.3-fold increased risk of headache (5.5% versus 4.3%), but high-certainty evidence of no difference in falls. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found important differences in the efficacy of memantine in mild AD compared to that in moderate-to-severe AD. There is a small clinical benefit of memantine in people with moderate-to-severe AD, which occurs irrespective of whether they are also taking a ChEI, but no benefit in people with mild AD.Clinical heterogeneity in AD makes it unlikely that any single drug will have a large effect size, and means that the optimal drug treatment may involve multiple drugs, each having an effect size that may be less than the minimum clinically important difference.A definitive long-duration trial in mild AD is needed to establish whether starting memantine earlier would be beneficial over the long term and safe: at present the evidence is against this, despite it being common practice. A long-duration trial in moderate-to-severe AD is needed to establish whether the benefit persists beyond six months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupert McShane
- University of OxfordRadcliffe Department of MedicineJohn Radcliffe HospitalLevel 4, Main Hospital, Room 4401COxfordOxfordshireUKOX3 9DU
| | - Maggie J Westby
- University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science CentreDivision of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthJean McFarlane BuildingOxford RoadManchesterUKM13 9PL
| | - Emmert Roberts
- King's College LondonDepartment of Psychological Medicine and National Addiction CentreWeston Education CentreLondonLondonUKSE5 9RJ
| | - Neda Minakaran
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation TrustDepartment of Ophthalmology162 City RoadLondonUKEC1V 2PD
| | - Lon Schneider
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California1540 Alcazar Street, CHP 216Los AngelesCAUSA90033
| | - Lucy E Farrimond
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustNeurosciences DepartmentJohn Radcliffe HospitalOxfordUKOX3 9DU
| | - Nicola Maayan
- CochraneCochrane ResponseSt Albans House57‐59 HaymarketLondonUKSW1Y 4QX
| | - Jennifer Ware
- University of OxfordCochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement GroupOxfordUKOX3 9DU
| | - Jean Debarros
- University of OxfordNuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN)Level 6, West Wing, John Radcliffe HospitalOxfordUKOX3 9DU
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in older people. One approach to symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease is to enhance cholinergic neurotransmission in the brain by blocking the action of the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This can be done by a group of drugs known as cholinesterase inhibitors. Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor.This review is an updated version of a review first published in 1998. OBJECTIVES To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of donepezil in people with mild, moderate or severe dementia due to Alzheimer's disease; to compare the efficacy and safety of different doses of donepezil; and to assess the effect of donepezil on healthcare resource use and costs. SEARCH METHODS We searched Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement's Specialized Register, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and a number of other sources on 20 May 2017 to ensure that the search was as comprehensive and up-to-date as possible. In addition, we contacted members of the Donepezil Study Group and Eisai Inc. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all double-blind, randomised controlled trials in which treatment with donepezil was administered to people with mild, moderate or severe dementia due to Alzheimer's disease for 12 weeks or more and its effects compared with those of placebo in a parallel group of patients, or where two different doses of donepezil were compared. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS One reviewer (JSB) extracted data on cognitive function, activities of daily living, behavioural symptoms, global clinical state, quality of life, adverse events, deaths and healthcare resource costs. Where appropriate and possible, we estimated pooled treatment effects. We used GRADE methods to assess the quality of the evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS Thirty studies involving 8257 participants met the inclusion criteria of the review, of which 28 studies reported results in sufficient detail for the meta-analyses. Most studies were of six months' duration or less. Only one small trial lasted 52 weeks. The studies tested mainly donepezil capsules at a dose of 5 mg/day or 10 mg/day. Two studies tested a slow-release oral formulation that delivered 23 mg/day. Participants in 21 studies had mild to moderate disease, in five studies moderate to severe, and in four severe disease. Seventeen studies were industry funded or sponsored, four studies were funded independently of industry and for nine studies there was no information on source of funding.Our main analysis compared the safety and efficacy of donepezil 10 mg/day with placebo at 24 to 26 weeks of treatment. Thirteen studies contributed data from 3396 participants to this analysis. Eleven of these studies were multicentre studies. Seven studies recruited patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, two with moderate to severe, and four with severe Alzheimer's disease, with a mean age of about 75 years. Almost all evidence was of moderate quality, downgraded due to study limitations.After 26 weeks of treatment, donepezil compared with placebo was associated with better outcomes for cognitive function measured with the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-Cog, range 0 to 70) (mean difference (MD) -2.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.31 to -2.02, 1130 participants, 5 studies), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score (MD 1.05, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.37, 1757 participants, 7 studies) and the Severe Impairment Battery (SIB, range 0 to 100) (MD 5.92, 95% CI 4.53 to 7.31, 1348 participants, 5 studies). Donepezil was also associated with better function measured with the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study activities of daily living score for severe Alzheimer's disease (ADCS-ADL-sev) (MD 1.03, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.85, 733 participants, 3 studies). A higher proportion of participants treated with donepezil experienced improvement on the clinician-rated global impression of change scale (odds ratio (OR) 1.92, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.39, 1674 participants, 6 studies). There was no difference between donepezil and placebo for behavioural symptoms measured by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) (MD -1.62, 95% CI -3.43 to 0.19, 1035 participants, 4 studies) or by the Behavioural Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease (BEHAVE-AD) scale (MD 0.4, 95% CI -1.28 to 2.08, 194 participants, 1 study). There was also no difference between donepezil and placebo for Quality of Life (QoL) (MD -2.79, 95% CI -8.15 to 2.56, 815 participants, 2 studies).Participants receiving donepezil were more likely to withdraw from the studies before the end of treatment (24% versus 20%, OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.50, 2846 participants, 12 studies) or to experience an adverse event during the studies (72% vs 65%, OR 1.59, 95% 1.31 to 1.95, 2500 participants, 10 studies).There was no evidence of a difference between donepezil and placebo for patient total healthcare resource utilisation.Three studies compared donepezil 10 mg/day to donepezil 5 mg/day over 26 weeks. The 5 mg dose was associated with slightly worse cognitive function on the ADAS-Cog, but not on the MMSE or SIB, with slightly better QoL and with fewer adverse events and withdrawals from treatment. Two studies compared donepezil 10 mg/day to donepezil 23 mg/day. There were no differences on efficacy outcomes, but fewer participants on 10 mg/day experienced adverse events or withdrew from treatment. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is moderate-quality evidence that people with mild, moderate or severe dementia due to Alzheimer's disease treated for periods of 12 or 24 weeks with donepezil experience small benefits in cognitive function, activities of daily living and clinician-rated global clinical state. There is some evidence that use of donepezil is neither more nor less expensive compared with placebo when assessing total healthcare resource costs. Benefits on 23 mg/day were no greater than on 10 mg/day, and benefits on the 10 mg/day dose were marginally larger than on the 5 mg/day dose, but the rates of withdrawal and of adverse events before end of treatment were higher the higher the dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline S Birks
- University of OxfordCentre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal SciencesBotnar Research Centre, Windmill RoadOxfordUKOX3 7LD
| | - Richard J Harvey
- Deakin University and Private PracticeMedical Schoolc/o Telepsychiatrist OnlinePO Box 117North GeelongVictoriaAustralia3215
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Isik AT, Soysal P, Stubbs B, Solmi M, Basso C, Maggi S, Schofield P, Veronese N, Mueller C. Cardiovascular Outcomes of Cholinesterase Inhibitors in Individuals with Dementia: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. J Am Geriatr Soc 2018; 66:1805-1811. [DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Turan Isik
- Unit for Aging Brain and Dementia, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; Dokuz Eylul University; Izmir Turkey
| | - Pinar Soysal
- Unit for Aging Brain and Dementia, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; Dokuz Eylul University; Izmir Turkey
| | - Brendon Stubbs
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience; King's College London; London United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust; London United Kingdom
- Health, Social Care, and Education; Anglia Ruskin University; Chelmsford United Kingdom
| | - Marco Solmi
- Department of Neurosciences; University of Padova; Padova Italy
| | - Cristina Basso
- Azienda Unità Locale Socio Sanitaria 3; “Serenissima”; Mirano Italy
| | - Stefania Maggi
- National Research Council; Neuroscience Institute, Aging Branch; Padova Italy
| | - Patricia Schofield
- Health, Social Care, and Education; Anglia Ruskin University; Chelmsford United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Veronese
- Azienda Unità Locale Socio Sanitaria 3; “Serenissima”; Mirano Italy
- National Research Council; Neuroscience Institute, Aging Branch; Padova Italy
| | - Christoph Mueller
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience; King's College London; London United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust; London United Kingdom
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12
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Chen R, Chan PT, Chu H, Lin YC, Chang PC, Chen CY, Chou KR. Treatment effects between monotherapy of donepezil versus combination with memantine for Alzheimer disease: A meta-analysis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183586. [PMID: 28827830 PMCID: PMC5565113 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This is the first meta-analysis to compare the treatment effects and safety of administering donepezil alone versus a combination of memantine and donepezil to treat patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer Disease, particularly regarding cognitive functions, behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD), and global functions. METHODS PubMed, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases were used to search for English and non-English articles for inclusion in the meta-analysis to evaluate the effect size and incidence of adverse drug reactions of different treatments. RESULTS Compared with patients who received donepezil alone, those who received donepezil in combination with memantine exhibited limited improvements in cognitive functions (g = 0.378, p < .001), BPSD (g = -0.878, p < .001) and global functions (g = -0.585, p = .004). Gradual titration of memantine plus a fixed dose and gradual titration of donepezil as well as a fixed dose and gradual titration of memantine resulted in limited improvements in cognitive functions(g = 0.371, p = .005), BPSD(g = -0.913, p = .001), and global functions(g = -0.371, p = .001). CONCLUSION Both in the 24th week and at the final evaluation point, the combination of donepezil and memantine led to greater improvement in cognitive functions, BPSD, and global functions than did donepezil alone in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruey Chen
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Tuan Chan
- Department of Nursing, En Chu Kong Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin Chu
- Aviation Physiology Research Laboratory, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital Gangshan Branch, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of Aerospace and Undersea Medicine, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cih Lin
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Chen Chang
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Ru Chou
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Psychiatric Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Mohammad D, Chan P, Bradley J, Lanctôt K, Herrmann N. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for treating dementia symptoms - a safety evaluation. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2017; 16:1009-1019. [PMID: 28678552 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2017.1351540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) continues to rise, while treatment options for cognitive impairment are limited. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) aim to provide symptomatic benefit for cognitive decline, however these drugs are not without adverse events (AEs). The safety profile of each drug must be taken carefully into consideration before being prescribed, as new dosages and formulations have recently been approved. Areas covered: Donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine are the three AChEIs approved for the treatment of varying stages of AD. Numerous clinical trials and post-marketing studies have evaluated the safety of these medications. This article will review the safety, efficacy and tolerability of these drugs in treating AD. Topics including pharmacovigilance databases, concomitant drug interactions, prescribing cascades, and treatment discontinuation are also covered. Expert opinion: AChEI use in those with mild, moderate or severe AD provide modest improvements in cognition, function and behavior. The pharmacological treatment of AD using AChEIs is associated with generally mild AEs. Differences in drug formulations should be taken into account when determining the most appropriate route of administration for each individual. Furthermore, discontinuation of AChEIs must be carefully monitored as it may be associated with worsening cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Mohammad
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada.,b Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program , Sunnybrook Research Institute , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Parco Chan
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada.,b Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program , Sunnybrook Research Institute , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Janelle Bradley
- b Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program , Sunnybrook Research Institute , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Krista Lanctôt
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada.,b Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program , Sunnybrook Research Institute , Toronto , ON , Canada.,c Department of Psychiatry , University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Nathan Herrmann
- b Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program , Sunnybrook Research Institute , Toronto , ON , Canada.,c Department of Psychiatry , University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada
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Giulietti A, Vignini A, Nanetti L, Mazzanti L, Di Primio R, Salvolini E. Alzheimer's Disease Risk and Progression: The Role of Nutritional Supplements and their Effect on Drug Therapy Outcome. Curr Neuropharmacol 2016; 14:177-90. [PMID: 26415975 PMCID: PMC4825948 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666150928155321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the elderly population. Despite significant advancements in understanding the genetic and molecular basis of AD, the pathology still lacks treatments that can slow down or reverse the progression of cognitive deterioration. Recently, the relationship between nutrient deficiency and dementia onset has been highlighted. AD is in fact a multifactorial pathology, so that a multi-target approach using combinations of micronutrients and drugs could have beneficial effects on cognitive function in neurodegenerative brain disorders leading to synaptic degeneration. Primarily, this review examines the most recent literature regarding the effects of nutrition on the risk/progression of the disease, focusing attention mostly on antioxidants agents, polyunsaturated fatty acids and metals. Secondly, it aims to figure out if nutritional supplements might have beneficial effects on drug therapy outcome. Even if nutritional supplements showed contrasting evidence of a likely effect of decreasing the risk of AD onset that could be studied more deeply in other clinical trials, no convincing data are present about their usefulness in combination with drug therapies and their effectiveness in slowing down the disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - L Mazzanti
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Tronto 10/A, Ancona, Italy.
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15
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Matsunaga S, Kishi T, Iwata N. Tsoi KK et al: Combination Therapy Showed Limited Superiority Over Monotherapy for Alzheimer Disease: A Meta-analysis of 14 Randomized Trials. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2016; 17:1061-1062. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2016.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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16
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Response to the Letter to the Editor by Shinji Matsunaga “Combination Therapy Showed Limited Superiority Over Monotherapy for Alzheimer Disease: A Meta-analysis of 14 Randomized Trials”. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2016; 17:1063. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2016.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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17
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Sabbagh M, Han S, Kim S, Na HR, Lee JH, Kandiah N, Phanthumchinda K, Suthisisang C, Senanarong V, Pai MC, Narilastri D, Sowani AM, Ampil E, Dash A. Clinical Recommendations for the Use of Donepezil 23 mg in Moderate-to-Severe Alzheimer's Disease in the Asia-Pacific Region. Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra 2016; 6:382-395. [PMID: 27703471 PMCID: PMC5040883 DOI: 10.1159/000448214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The ‘Asia-Pacific Expert Panel (APEX) for donepezil 23 mg’ met in November 2015 to review evidence for the recently approved high dose of donepezil and to provide recommendations to help physicians in Asia make informed clinical decisions about using donepezil 23 mg in patients with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease (AD). Summary In a global phase III study (study 326) in patients with moderate-to-severe AD, donepezil 23 mg/day demonstrated significantly greater cognitive benefits versus donepezil 10 mg/day, with a between-treatment difference in mean change in the Severe Impairment Battery score of 2.2 points (p < 0.001) in the overall population and 3.1 points (p < 0.001) in patients with advanced AD. A subanalysis of study 326 demonstrated that the benefits and risks associated with donepezil 23 mg/day versus donepezil 10 mg/day in Asian patients with moderate-to-severe AD were comparable to those in the global study population. Key Message Donepezil 23 mg is a valuable treatment for patients with AD, particularly those with advanced disease. The APEX emphasized the importance of patient selection (AD severity, tolerability of lower doses of donepezil, and absence of contraindications), a stepwise titration strategy for dose escalation, and appropriate monitoring and counseling of patients and caregivers in the management of patients with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Sabbagh
- Alzheimer's and Memory Disorders Division, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Ariz., USA
| | - SeolHeui Han
- Department of Neurology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - SangYun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Neurocognitive Behavior Center of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Neurology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Ri Na
- Department of Neurology, Bobath Memorial Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hong Lee
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Nagaendran Kandiah
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute and Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Kammant Phanthumchinda
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Vorapun Senanarong
- Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ming-Chyi Pai
- Division of Behavioral Neurology, Department of Neurology, Medical College and Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Diatri Narilastri
- Department of Neurology, Medicine Faculty University of Indonesia, CiptoMangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Amitabh Dash
- Eisai Pharmaceuticals India Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India
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18
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Tsoi KKF, Chan JYC, Leung NWY, Hirai HW, Wong SYS, Kwok TCY. Combination Therapy Showed Limited Superiority Over Monotherapy for Alzheimer Disease: A Meta-analysis of 14 Randomized Trials. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2016; 17:863.e1-8. [PMID: 27349622 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2016.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) and memantine are recognized drug treatments with limited clinical efficacy. Combination therapy for patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) was suggested, but the additional benefit of combination therapy is still controversial. AIM To evaluate the additional benefit of combination therapy over monotherapy with either AChEI or memantine. METHODS Prospective randomized controlled trials were searched from the OVID databases. The trials were eligible if study subjects were diagnosed with AD, and were randomized to compare combination therapy with monotherapy. Any clinical assessment measured using validated scales on cognitive function, activities of daily living, behavioral problems, and global changes were the primary outcomes, and any reported adverse events were the secondary outcomes. Quality of studies and risk of bias were evaluated. RESULTS Fourteen randomized trials were identified between 2004 and 2015 from the United States, Canada, Germany, Japan, China, and Korea. A total of 5019 patients with AD were randomly assigned to receive combination therapy of AChEI and memantine or monotherapy with AChEI or memantine. Combination therapy showed no significant benefit on cognitive function (mean difference [MD] of MMSE = 0.06, 95% CI -0.52 to 0.65), activities of daily living (MD of ADCS-ADL = -0.15, 95% CI -1.08 to 0.78), neuropsychiatric symptoms and behavioral problems (MD of NPI = -1.85, 95% CI -4.83 to 1.13), and global changes (MD of CIBIC-plus = 0.01, 95% CI -0.25 to 0.28). In subgroup analyses, combination therapy can improve cognitive function more than memantine alone; and it can significantly relieve neuropsychiatric symptoms and behavioral problems when concomitantly used with donepezil. No additional adverse event was reported in the combination therapy. CONCLUSION Combination therapy only showed the benefit on neuropsychiatric symptoms and behavioral problems in moderate-to-severe AD, but no other superiority in terms of cognitive function, activities of daily living, and global changes. Although reported adverse events were comparable, the additional cost for combination therapy may be unnecessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin K F Tsoi
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Hong Kong; Stanley Ho Big Data Decision Analytics Research Centre, Hong Kong
| | - Joyce Y C Chan
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Hong Kong
| | | | - Hoyee W Hirai
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Hong Kong; Stanley Ho Big Data Decision Analytics Research Centre, Hong Kong
| | - Samuel Y S Wong
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Hong Kong
| | - Timothy C Y Kwok
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Magierski R, Sobow T. Benefits and risks of add-on therapies for Alzheimer's disease. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2015; 5:445-62. [DOI: 10.2217/nmt.15.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite three decades of intensive research, the efforts of scientific society and industry and the expenditures, numerous attempts to develop effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease have failed. Currently, approved and widely used medications to treat cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease are symptomatic only and show at best modest efficacy. In this context, the need to develop a successful, disease-modifying treatment is loudly expressed. One way to achieve this goal is the use of add-on therapies or various combinations of existing ‘conventional’ drugs. Results of several clinical studies and post hoc analyses of combination therapy with all cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine are published. Moreover, there is a need for studies on long-term efficacy of combination therapy in Alzheimer's.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radoslaw Magierski
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry & Psychotic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, 92–216 Lodz, Czechoslowacka Street 8/10, Poland
| | - Tomasz Sobow
- Department of Medical Psychology, Medical University of Lodz, 91–425 Lodz, Sterlinga Street 5, Poland
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20
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Ehret MJ, Chamberlin KW. Current Practices in the Treatment of Alzheimer Disease: Where is the Evidence After the Phase III Trials? Clin Ther 2015; 37:1604-16. [PMID: 26122885 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2015.05.510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this systematic review was to review the current place in therapy of the 4 medications, donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, and memantine, approved for the treatment of Alzheimer disease (AD) since the publication of Phase III trials. METHODS A systematic literature search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was conducted for articles published in the past 10 years. The search was performed using the following Medical Subject Headings and text key words: Alzheimer's disease, treatment, donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, memantine, dementia of the Alzheimer's type, and dementia. FINDINGS Studies that evaluated new doses, indications, and dose formulations remain a large part of the current literature. Donepezil gained approval for the treatment of severe AD and became available in a 23-mg/d dose formulation. Rivastigmine became available in a patch formulation. Memantine became available as an extended-release capsule. Use of a combination product formulation was recently approved, memantine extended release/donepezil. Controversy among clinicians remains regarding when to initiate therapy, appropriate duration of therapy, and how and when to discontinue the treatment of AD. IMPLICATIONS Only drugs that affect cholinergic function have shown consistent, but modest, clinical effects, even in late-phase trials. There is a need for a better appreciation of the various risk factors and drug targets for the treatment of AD. The wide range of targets makes it unlikely that affecting only 1 of those targets (eg, cholinergic function or N-methyl-d-aspartate) will lead to a more than minimally effective treatment option, regardless of when a treatment is started and discontinued. There is substantial opportunity for the continued growth and development of drugs and clinical trial expansion for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J Ehret
- Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut.
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Lee JH, Jeong SK, Kim BC, Park KW, Dash A. Donepezil across the spectrum of Alzheimer's disease: dose optimization and clinical relevance. Acta Neurol Scand 2015; 131:259-67. [PMID: 25690270 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible and progressive neurodegenerative disorder. AD is the most common cause of dementia worldwide, and its incidence is increasing in line with population aging. The primary feature of AD is progressive cognitive decline, and severe AD is characterized by reduced communication skills and mobility. However, successful treatment can substantially improve quality of life. Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor approved for use across the full spectrum of mild, moderate, and severe AD. Donepezil has been available at doses of 5 or 10 mg once daily for more than a decade and, more recently, a single high once-daily sustained-release 23-mg dose has been approved for treatment of patients with moderate to severe AD. The rationale for the higher dose formulation was the expected increase in acetylcholinesterase inhibition given the dose-response relationship of donepezil, with the benefits of the higher dose being most apparent in patients with more advanced AD. Donepezil 5 and 10 mg/day have been well studied in mild-to-moderate AD, and a clinical trial has confirmed the benefits of donepezil 23 mg/day in patients with moderate to severe AD, particularly for language and visuospatial ability. This review presents an overview of the evidence for donepezil across the spectrum of AD, with a focus on dose optimization for disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- J.-H. Lee
- Department of Neurology; Asan Medical Center; University of Ulsan College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - S.-K. Jeong
- Department of Neurology; Chonbuk National University Medical School; Jeonju Korea
| | - B. C. Kim
- Department of Neurology; Chonnam National University Medical School; Gwangju Korea
| | - K. W. Park
- Department of Neurology; Dong-A University College of Medicine; Busan Metropolitan Dementia Center; Busan Korea
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Christensen DD. Higher-Dose (23 mg/day) Donepezil Formulation for the Treatment of Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Alzheimer's Disease. Postgrad Med 2015; 124:110-6. [DOI: 10.3810/pgm.2012.11.2589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Nguyen MD, Salbu RL. Donepezil 23 mg: A Brief Insight on Efficacy and Safety Concerns. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 28:800-3. [DOI: 10.4140/tcp.n.2013.800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Efficacy of memantine, donepezil, or their association in moderate-severe Alzheimer's disease: a review of clinical trials. ScientificWorldJournal 2013; 2013:925702. [PMID: 24288512 PMCID: PMC3830825 DOI: 10.1155/2013/925702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)/cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitors (Is) and memantine are licensed for symptomatic treatment of mild-moderate and moderate-severe forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD), respectively. High doses of the AChE-I donepezil were licensed in the USA for moderate-severe AD, and the association AChE/ChE-Is plus memantine was proposed for AD at this stage. Objectives. This paper has reviewed evidence from clinical trials of the effectiveness of memantine, donepezil, or the two drugs in association in managing moderate-severe AD. Method. Double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trials (RCTs) using memantine or donepezil alone or in association versus placebo in moderate-severe AD were reviewed. Analysis done in January 2013 considered the years 2007–2012. Results and Conclusion. Only 83 of the 941 papers selected were considered relevant, and only 13 met the criterion of “adequacy and representativeness.” Memantine and donepezil lead to improvements in moderate-to-severe AD and the choice between the compounds should be based on their contraindications more than on disease severity. No evidence was found of advantages of the association of memantine-donepezil. The heterogeneity of conditions explored by RCTs, the relatively short time of observation (24–52 weeks), and the different cognitive assessment tools used did not allow comparing properly different trials.
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Sabbagh M, Cummings J, Christensen D, Doody R, Farlow M, Liu L, Mackell J, Fain R. Evaluating the cognitive effects of donepezil 23 mg/d in moderate and severe Alzheimer's disease: analysis of effects of baseline features on treatment response. BMC Geriatr 2013; 13:56. [PMID: 23742728 PMCID: PMC3681558 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-13-56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors can result in symptomatic benefits, but patients often show variable responses. The objective of this post hoc analysis was to investigate relationships between easily identifiable baseline characteristics/demographics and cognitive response in patients treated with either donepezil 23 mg/d or 10 mg/d and to identify factors potentially influencing response. Methods A post hoc analysis was conducted using data from a large, 24-week, randomized, double-blind, international study enrolling patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease (baseline Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE], 0-20) (NCT 00478205). Cognitive changes in subgroups of patients based on selected baseline and demographic characteristics were compared using the least squares mean changes in Severe Impairment Battery scores at Week 24. Univariate and multivariate analyses were also performed. Results Donepezil 23 mg/d provided statistically significant incremental cognitive benefits over donepezil 10 mg/d irrespective of baseline functional severity, measured by scores on the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living-severe version (P < 0.05). When patients were categorized by baseline cognitive severity (MMSE score), significant benefits of donepezil 23 mg/d over 10 mg/d were seen in both subgroups when based on MMSE scores of 0-9 versus 10-20 (P < 0.02 and P < 0.01, respectively), and in the more severe subgroup when based on MMSE scores of 0-16 versus 17-20 (P < 0.0001 and P > 0.05). Statistically significant incremental cognitive benefits of donepezil 23 mg/d over 10 mg/d were also observed regardless of age, gender, weight, or prestudy donepezil 10 mg/d treatment duration (P < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, the only significant interaction was between treatment and baseline MMSE score. Conclusions The cognitive benefits of donepezil 23 mg/d over 10 mg/d were achieved regardless of the patient’s age, gender, weight, duration of prior donepezil 10 mg/d, and functional severity. The influence of baseline cognitive severity on response seemed to be dependent on the level of impairment, with cognitive benefits of donepezil 23 mg/d over 10 mg/d most apparent in those patients at a more advanced stage of disease. These data may be useful in helping practicing physicians make informed decisions for their patients with advanced Alzheimer’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Sabbagh
- The Cleo Roberts Center for Clinical Research, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, 10515 W, Santa Fe Drive, Sun City, AZ 85351, USA.
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Cummings JL, Geldmacher D, Farlow M, Sabbagh M, Christensen D, Betz P. High-dose donepezil (23 mg/day) for the treatment of moderate and severe Alzheimer's disease: drug profile and clinical guidelines. CNS Neurosci Ther 2013; 19:294-301. [PMID: 23462265 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Revised: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
To provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive assessment of donepezil 23 mg and its role in treating Alzheimer's disease (AD), the Donepezil 23 mg Expert Working Group (EWG) convened in June 2011 to critically evaluate the clinical trial database for this higher dose formulation and the members' clinical experience with its use. Discussions were based on a large, 6-month, phase 3 clinical trial in patients with moderate to severe AD that compared continuing donepezil 10 mg/day versus switching to 23 mg/day. In this trial, donepezil 23 mg/day demonstrated significantly greater cognitive benefits (mean change in Severe Impairment Battery score, 2.11 points; P < 0.001). Prespecified analyses showed that benefits were significant irrespective of concomitant memantine use. The EWG considered integrating these new data into clinical practice approaches. Dementia severity, tolerability of the 10 mg dose, and need for additional therapy were key selection criteria, as was monitoring of gastrointestinal side effects, as consideration of titration strategies is an important aspect of implementation. The EWG concluded that donepezil 23 mg is an efficacious therapy for moderate to severe AD, with or without concomitant memantine, extending the treatment opportunities available to manage moderate to severe AD dementia. EWG guidelines offer assistance to clinicians in choosing and implementing treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Cummings
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA.
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Solntseva EI, Bukanova JV, Skrebitsky VG. Donepezil in low micromolar concentrations modulates voltage-gated potassium currents in pyramidal neurons of rat hippocampus. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 430:1066-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 12/08/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this article, we discuss new data on currently licensed drugs for dementia and novel developments in the management of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with dementia. RECENT FINDINGS During the last years, a large body of evidence has been accumulated to support the use of antidementia medication in patients with severe Alzheimer's disease. Combination therapy with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine for Alzheimer's disease remains controversial, as controlled trials have yielded conflicting results. Memantine is not indicated in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. Studies on memantine for Parkinson's disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies were inconclusive. In adult patients with dementia in the context of Down syndrome, memantine is not effective, and further studies on acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are warranted. There is still no treatment established for patients with vascular or frontotemporal dementia. The efficacy of antidepressants to treat depression associated with dementia is not proven. Treatment of agitation and psychosis in patients with dementia remains a challenge. SUMMARY Recent systematic clinical reviews and new research on currently available treatment options provide valuable assistance for clinicians to deal with frequent clinical problems in the context of dementia.
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