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A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study of Depakote in the Treatment of Signs or Symptons of Mania in Elderly Patients with Dementia
Introduction
Manic symptoms such as increased motor agitation, verbal and physical aggression, irritability and uncooperativeness often occur in elderly demented patients. Behavioral disturbances such as these are significant and often lead to placement in long-term care facilities. The prevalence of these kinds of behavioral disturbances has been reported in several studies to range from 48% to 93%.
Depakote (divalproex sodium) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of acute manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Additional case studies suggest that Depakote may also be efficacious in the treatment of elderly mania, behavioral agitation associated with dementia, aggression and other behavioral disturbances. Despite promising data, there have been very few double-blind placebo controlled studies of pharmacological agents for the treatment of mania associated with dementia in elderly patients.
Objective
The objective of this study is to demonstrate the tolerability and efficacy of Depakote in reducing signs and symptons of mania associated with dementia in elderly patients.
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