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Tacrine in Alzheimer's Disease

Time Course of Changes in Cognitive Function and Practice Effects

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Sarah Eagger ,
Nicola Morant ,
Raymond Levy  and
Barbara Sahakian
Sarah Eagger
Affiliation:
Section of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry
Nicola Morant
Affiliation:
Section of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry
Raymond Levy*
Affiliation:
Section of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry
Barbara Sahakian
Affiliation:
Section of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry
*
∗ Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF
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Abstract

This paper concerns certain questions which arose during the analysis of a trial showing positive effects of tacrine in Alzheimer's disease. Cognitive improvement occurred during the first two weeks, reached a maximum at one month and was maintained during the rest of the three-month treatment period. Rebound effects were not detected in any of the key outcome variables, but were suggested by one of the supporting cognitive tests and other measures. Practice effects occurred on tests which were repeated at short intervals or too frequently. The paper discusses the significance of these findings for the interpretation of other trials and for practical management.

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Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 160 , Issue 1 , January 1992 , pp. 36 - 40
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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