Effect of Noradrenergic Drugs Explored in Alzheimer Disease

FRIDAY, July 29, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Noradrenergic drugs seem to have a positive effect for general cognition and apathy in Alzheimer disease, according to a review published online July 5 in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.
Michael C.B. David, M.B.B.S., from Imperial College London, and colleagues conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the efficacy of drugs with principally noradrenergic action in improving cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer disease.
Nineteen randomized controlled trials with 1,811 patients were included; of these trials, six, seven, and six were judged as good, fair, and poor quality, respectively. The researchers found that noradrenergic drugs had a significant, small positive effect on global cognition in a meta-analysis of 10 trials (1,300 patients), measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination or Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale. There was no significant effect on measures of attention. A large positive effect of noradrenergic drugs was detected in the meta-analysis of eight trials (425 patients) examining apathy. After removal of outliers to account for heterogeneity across studies, this positive effect was still present.
"Based on this meta-analysis, and recognition of the importance of locus coeruleus-noradrenergic system in multiple neurodegenerative diseases, there is a case for further clinical trials of noradrenergic agents in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions," the authors write.
Related Posts
Disparities Examined in Perceptions of Breast Reconstruction Outcomes
FRIDAY, July 29, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Women's satisfaction after breast...
Brain Imaging May ID THC-Linked Impairment in Cannabis Users
FRIDAY, Jan. 21, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Functional brain imaging may identify...
Volunteering Late in Life May Keep Alzheimer’s Away
THURSDAY, July 20, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Many retirees opt to volunteer as a...
Science Reveals Key Driver of Alzheimer’s, and How Newly Approved Drug May Fight It
WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers have isolated for the...