Divalproex: a possible treatment alternative for demented, elderly aggressive patients.

Elderly, demented people often exhibit behavioral dyscontrol. Divalproex appears to be safe and effective in the management of this presentation. Twelve cases treated with divalproex all responded with improved emotional control. Patients became less verbally and physically disruptive and much more socially appropriate. Divalproex was well tolerated in this population with none of the subjects experiencing significant medicinal side effects. This uncontrolled report suggests that divalproex should be considered as a pharmacotherapy for aggressivity in cognitively impaired, elderly people.