A first: FDA approves drug to treat agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia
By
Alicia Lasek
May 12, 2023
For the first time, the FDA has approved a drug to treat agitation related to Alzheimer’s disease dementia. Patient advocates are hailing the news, but prescribing the drug, an antipsychotic, may put...
FDA advisors to weigh use of Rexulti for Alzheimer’s agitation
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 10, 2023
Expert advisors are set to determine whether Rexulti (brexpiprazole) is effective and safe for this new application, the FDA announced Monday.
Depression drug eases Alzheimer’s agitation; new death in lecanemab trial raises concerns
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 30, 2022
Two drugs in late-stage clinical trials are making news, one as a potential treatment for agitation, and the other for evidence of bleeding risk.
Clinical briefs for Wednesday, July 13
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jul 13, 2022
Brexpiprazole reduces agitation in Alzheimer’s, late-stage study finds … Seniors skipping meds due to cost, survey finds … ‘Failure to thrive’ diagnostic code for seniors is problematic and dismissive,...
Mirtazapine does not reduce agitation in dementia patients
Nov 03, 2021
In randomized, double-blind trial, no difference seen in scores for agitated behaviors at 12 weeks with mirtazapine versus placebo
Sedative antidepressant for agitation? Mirtazapine may not work
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 25, 2021
An antidepressant commonly used to address agitation in long-term care residents with dementia does not work any better than a placebo, a new study finds.
These factors predict residents’ emergency care outcomes, palliative experts find
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 23, 2021
A study that followed residents through all stages of emergency department transfers and care has found that certain comorbidities and levels of stress can predict subsequent recovery from symptoms.
Trio is trouble in assisted living: Risky neuro drug combos too common, dementia expert says
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 11, 2021
Fully one in seven people with dementia who do not live in nursing homes are taking at least three drugs that act on the central nervous system — beyond the advised limit, a new study finds.
Lunchtime music therapy reduces agitation in nursing home trial
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 13, 2020
Residents who heard calming music during midday meals exhibited fewer agitated and physically aggressive behaviors as measured using a validated rating scale.
Mental health risk is low in coronavirus, but long-term delirium may occur
By
Alicia Lasek
May 19, 2020
An analysis of mental health outcomes from past SARS and MERS outbreaks may offer useful predictions about coronavirus outcomes for clinicians, say British researchers.