Chronic divalproex sodium use and brain atrophy in Alzheimer disease.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

We evaluated the effect of the divalproex sodium formulation of valproic acid on brain volumes using MRI in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease (AD) and assessed for changes associated with behavioral and cognitive effects.

Methods

Eighty-nine of 313 participants randomized to divalproex or placebo in a 24-month, parallel-group trial received MRI scans at baseline and 12 months. Interval MRI annual percent changes in whole brain, ventricular, and hippocampal volumes were the primary outcomes of interest. Change from baseline in clinical outcomes was assessed at 6-month intervals.

Results

There were no baseline differences between active treatment and placebo groups in age, education, brain volumes, clinical rating scores, or APOE ε4 carrier status

SUBMITTER: Fleisher AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3179645 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature