Three European studies have reported that elderly patients – notably those with Alzheimer’s disease – are highly likely to receive inappropriately prescribed medications both in the community and in the nursing home setting.
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Increased risk of relapse with risperidone discontinuation in AD
October 23, 2013A randomized, double-blind study has examined the risk of relapse in AD patients with psychosis or agitation/aggression when the atypical antipsychotic risperidone was withdrawn (Devanand et al. N Engl J Med 2012;367:1497-1507).
Recurrent depression in the community: NEMESIS results
October 23, 2013Data obtained from the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study (NEMESIS) indicate a high risk of recurrence among patients treated for major depression (Hardeveld et al. Psychol Med 2013;43:39-48). The study included 687 subjects with major depressive disorder (DSM-III-R) in remission for at least six months and prospectively followed-up for three years.
Brief cognitive screening tool in development
October 5, 2013Highlights of the 29th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in MS (ECTRIMS), Copenhagen, DK, October 2-5, 2013 – Researchers at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, have developed a brief cognitive screening tool to evaluate patients with CIS or MS (Lapshin et al. ECTRIMS 2013; abstract P793). The computer-generated battery of tests comprises the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), the STROOP Colour-Word Test, the Paced Visual Serial Addition Test (PVSAT) four- and two-second trials, and an index of cognitive speed. The test battery can be administered in 10 minutes. Read More