Pharmacological Treatments for Frontotemporal Dementias: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. (March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nardell, Maria; Tampi, Rajesh R.
• Is Part Of: American journal of Alzheimer's disease & other dementias. Volume 29:Number 2(2014)
• Page Start: 123
• Page End: 132
• Publication Date: 2014-03
• Subjects: frontotemporal dementias -- frontotemporal lobar degeneration pharmacological treatments -- systematic literature review -- randomized controlled trial; Alzheimer's disease -- Periodicals; Dementia -- Periodicals; Alzheimer's disease -- Patients -- Care -- United States -- Periodicals; 616.83
• DOI: 10.1177/1533317513507375
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1533-3175

Abstract

The objective of this review is to summarize the current data on the pharmacological treatments for frontotemporal dementias from randomized controlled trials. A systematic search of 4 major databases, PubMed, Medline, PsychINFO and Cochrane, found a total of 9 randomized controlled, double-blinded clinical trials. Of these, 2 trials used the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), paroxetine; 1 trial used trazodone; 2 trials used stimulants (methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine); 1 trial used the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, galantamine; 2 trials used the N-methyl-d -aspartate antagonist, memantine; and 1 trial used the neuropeptide oxytocin. The analysis of the available data indicates that SSRIs, trazodone, and the amphetamines may be effective in reducing some behavioral symptoms, but none of these medications had an impact on cognition. Available data indicate that these medications were well tolerated in all the trials.