Quetiapine for the behavioral and psychological symptoms in senile dementia

Abstract

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of quetiapine and perphenazine in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Metbods 52 patients were randomly assigned to receive quetiapine of SO - 400mg daily ( 26 patients, study group), or perphenazine of 6-16mg daily ( 26 patients, control group )for 8 weeks. The efficacy and safety of the two therapies was compared between the two groups by using the Mini-mental State Examination ( MMSE ), Sandoz Clincal Assessment Geriatric ( SCAG ), and Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS ) 8 weeks after treatment. Results At the completion of treatment, the scores on MMSE were significantly higher ( P< 0.01 ), and those on SCAG were significantly lower in both groups ( P< 0.01 or P< 0.05 ), as compared with the baseline scores. The rate of adverse reactions was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group ( 30.8% vs. 46.2%, P< 0.05 ) Conclusions Quetiapine has a better efficacy in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and has fewer adverse reactions. It is suitable for clinical use. Key words: Quetiapine; Senile dementia; Psychological and behavioral symptoms