Question:
In adults with frontotemporal dementia presenting with agitation, how effective are pharmacological interventions, compared to treatment as usual, for managing agitation?
Answer:
There is some weak evidence, from four very small randomised
controlled trials (RCTs), that pharmacological interventions may
have some effect on behavioural symptoms in people with
frontotemporal dementia. Each of the four studies assessed a
different intervention (paroxetine, trazodone, memantine, and
single dose oxytocin) all of which showed some potential for the
treatment of behavioural symptoms in frontotemporal dementia. Only
trazodone showed a significant treatment effect specific to
agitation, however, it should be noted that these data were derived
from one very small, shot-term crossover trial. Larger scale, high
quality parallel group RCTs are needed to confirm the initial
observations reported in this evidence summary. Future trials
should include long-term follow-up and direct comparisons of these
and other pharmacological interventions.
To view the full summary, click the Download Document
link to the right.
To view relevant national guidelines, click Related
Links, below.