New medication for dementia can reduce aggresive behavior
Patients with dementia often face not only mental changes but behavioral changes that can lead to aggression and agitation. Kicking, swearing or biting may improve, however, with a new medication, according to a study in Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology.Researchers believe that risperidone can reduce the severity and frequency of aggressive and agitated behaviors in elderly people with dementia.
Nearly 80 percent of those in late stages of dementia develop violent behaviors. But in a 13-week study of 223 people in seven European countries and Canada, researchers compared the effects of risperidone to the drug haloperidol (also used to treat the aggressive symptoms of dementia) and a placebo. Study participants lived in nursing homes and were an average 81 years of age.
The severity of the aggression was improved by two to four times more in people taking risperidone than those taking the placebo. Comparing the two medications, risperidone had up to a 40 percent greater improvement on aggressive behaviors than haloperidol.
Poor diabetes control raises gum-disease risk
CHICAGO -- Diabetes has long been known to increase the risk of severe periodontal disease. A study in the November issue of the Journal of Periodontology found that poorly controlled type 2 (adult onset) diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease than well-controlled diabetics are.
The study concluded that poorly controlled diabetics respond differently to bacterial plaque at the gum line than well-controlled diabetics and non-diabetics, possibly due to elevated serum triglycerides. Poorly controlled diabetics have more harmful proteins in their gingival tissue, causing destructive inflammation of the gums. In turn, beneficial proteins are reduced, interfering with the healing response to infection.
The American Academy of Periodontology wants diabetics to get a periodontal evaluation, as recent research also has found that having periodontal disease makes diabetes more difficult to control.
A referral to a periodontist or a free brochure titled Diabetes & Gum Disease is available by calling 1-800-FLOSS-EM, or visit the AAP's Web site at www.perio.org.
Depression drug gets credit for tremor relief
Mirtazapine, a medication used to treat depression, may provide relief to patients with tremor, according to a recent issue of Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of neurology.
Researchers found a new use for the drug while using it to treat depression in a woman, 73, who has Parkinson's disease. The woman, an avid bridge player, had a hard time with the cards because of hand tremors. Within days of starting the treatment, she reported a reduction in tremors.
The research was broadened to include other people with tremors. Patients said their relief from tremors led to improvements in activities such as eating, drinking or sleeping. Tremors returned in those who chose to stop taking the medication, but when they resumed, so did the beneficial effect.
Scientists say they don't know why the medication seems to help and suggest that more study is needed.