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Long‐term rivastigmine treatment in a routine clinical setting
Author(s) -
Minthon L.,
Wallin Å. K.,
Eriksson S.,
Wattmo C.,
Andreasen N.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2008.01086.x
Subject(s) - rivastigmine , medicine , dementia , clinical global impression , cognitive decline , mini–mental state examination , rating scale , observational study , disease , psychiatry , psychology , donepezil , placebo , developmental psychology , alternative medicine , pathology
Objective – The aim of the study was to observe the effects of long‐term rivastigmine treatment in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in a routine clinical setting. Methods – This was a prospective, open‐label, observational, multicentre, non‐randomized study. Outcome measures included the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Clinician’s Interview‐Based Impression of Change (CIBIC) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale – cognitive subscale (ADAS‐cog). Results – Of 217 patients initiated into rivastigmine treatment, 62% ( n = 135) remained on treatment for 24 months. Most patients droped out due to nursing home placement or side effects. Eighty per cent and 67% of completers exhibited a symptomatic attenuation of cognitive decline (≤ 4‐point deterioration) as assessed by using the MMSE and ADAS‐cog respectively. Forty‐four per cent showed an unchanged/improved CIBIC rating. Conclusions – Over 60% of patients remained on treatment for 2 years in this routine clinical setting. In patients who remained on treatment, rivastigmine appeared to stabilize their condition and prevented or delayed symptomatic decline.