New England Journal of Medicine publishes Alzheimer’s medications study co-authored by Banner doctor
PHOENIX (Oct. 12, 2006) - The New England Journal of Medicine has published a study co-authored and co-directed by Dr. Pierre N. Tariot, associate director of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Phoenix.
The study, published in the Journal’s Oct. 12 edition, measured the effectiveness of antipsychotic medications frequently used to treat Alzheimer’s patients suffering from delusions, aggression, hallucinations, and other similar symptoms. It concluded that while the medications do help some people, they come with substantial adverse side effects that can negate their benefits.
The $16.9 million, five-year trial was conducted at 42 sites and included 421 people.
Alzheimer’s disease affects an estimated 4.5 million Americans, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It affects one in 10 people over the age of 65 and nearly half of those over age 85. More than half of patients afflicted with the illness and related dementias suffer from delusions, aggression and hallucinations.
“In many cases, the moderate to severe thinking and behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s precipitate placement in a nursing home, at which point the economic and social costs associated with Alzheimer’s care skyrocket,” Dr. Tariot said. “By identifying the limitations of existing treatment options, this study is an important step toward finding a treatment that can delay full-time nursing home confinements, and reduce the suffering of patients and their families.”
The New England Journal praised the study in its lead editorial noting:
“The CATIE-AD study is an exemplar of the clinical trial’s revolutionary role in shaping therapeutics. Recent remarks by FDA officials support wider use of these kinds of adaptive designs. This trial, funded by the National Institutes of Health, is also a model for how to spend our taxes on research, particularly now that taxes also pay for prescriptions.”
To schedule an interview with Dr. Tariot, please call or e-mail:
Paul Matthews
Public Relations Manager
Banner Alzheimer's Institute
(602) 239-6907
Read additional articles about this study:
- Drugs prove little help for Alzheimer’s
- Side effects limit Alzheimer's drugs' benefits
- Study: Antipsychotic drugs not helpful for Alzheimer's patients
