GALANTAMINE PROVIDES BROAD BENEFITS IN PATIENTS WITH ‘ADVANCED MODERATE’ ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE (MMSE ≤12) FOR UP TO SIX MONTHS

Abstract

SUMMARYWe investigated whether galantamine (Reminyl®), a cholinergic agent with a dual mode of action for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD), would benefit patients with more advanced illness. We performed a post hoc analysis on pooled data from four pivotal studies in patients with ‘advanced moderate’ AD: baseline Mini‐Mental State Evaluation (MMSE) scores ≤12 (range 10–12; mean MMSE score 11) or Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive subscale (ADAS‐cog) scores >30 (range 31–69; mean ADAS‐cog score 39). Over 5–6 months, cognitive abilities were improved with galantamine versus placebo (p<0.001; mean treatment difference 6.5 points). At 6 months, galantamine benefited functional abilities (p<0.001 vs placebo). The first quartile of galantamine patients improved over baseline by 10.5 ADAS‐cog points. Cognitive and functional abilities were maintained around baseline; behavioural symptoms were delayed. Over 6 months, galantamine provided a broad spectrum of benefits to patients with ‘advanced moderate’ AD.