ABSTRACT
To investigate the relationship between clinical response and haloperidol blood concentrations in Alzheimer's dementia (AD) patients with behavior problems, 29 AD inpatients were assigned to a fixed oral dosage of haloperidol (0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, or 2.0 mg) every 12 hours for 3 weeks. BEHAVE-AD ratings and concentrations of plasma and RBC haloperidol and reduced haloperidol were obtained on Days 8, 15, and 22. Although no significant linear or curvilinear relationships were apparent between percent of change on BEHAVE-AD and plasma or RBC haloperidol concentrations, a good response (change ≥ 30%) was observed in 55% of the patients who entered the study.
ABSTRACT
Low-dose methylphenidate was prescribed in an attempt to reverse the anorexia secondary to the gradual onset of apathetic behavior in three severely demented, long-term institutionalized geriatric patients. The anorexia was alleviated quickly in each case without appreciable side effects, and the benefit lasted for a prolonged period after cessation of the psychostimulant.
