Intracerebroventricular cholinergic drug administration in Alzheimer's disease: preliminary results of a double-blind study.

In June 1983, we began evaluating intracerebroventricular (ICV) cholinergic drug infusion in patients with biopsy-documented Alzheimer's disease (AD). An initial trial in four patients showed this treatment approach to be feasible, but objective improvement in cognitive or social function was not documented (Harbaugh et al., 1984; Harbaugh, 1986). A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study involving a larger number of patients has since been done. The results of this study, presented here, document a statistically significant improvement in some cognitive test results during periods of drug infusion. However, the clinical applicability of this treatment approach is still questionable. A collaborative, double-blind study evaluating activities of daily living and cognitive test results during drug and placebo infusion is presently underway and should better define the safety and efficacy of this treatment approach for patients with AD.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes