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Sodium Valproate in the Treatment of Behavioral Disturbance in Dementia

1993; SAGE Publishing; Volume: 6; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1177/089198879300600404

1552-5708

Alan M. Mellow, Carlos Solano-Lopez, Sue Davis,

Cognitive Functions and Memory

Management of the behavioral complications of dementia, including agitation and aggression, presents a tremendous challenge to families and caregivers of afflicted patients. Most previous pharmacotherapies have shown minimal efficacy and significant side effects. We report our initial, open-label experience using the anticonvulsant sodium valproate in four dementia patients with severe behavioral disturbance. The drug was well tolerated by all patients, with no side effects or laboratory abnormalities, during 1- to 3-month trials. Two patients showed significant improvement in behavior, and a third had a transient response. Valproate may be a useful agent in the treatment of behavioral disturbance in dementia; controlled trials are needed to document its efficacy.