The effect of stimulation therapy and donepezil on cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease. A community based RCT with a two-by-two factorial design.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Progressive neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) induces cognitive deterioration, and there is controversy regarding the optimal treatment strategy in early AD. Stimulation therapy, including physical exercise and cholinesterase inhibitors are both reported to postpone cognitive deterioration in separate studies. We aimed to study the effect of stimulation therapy and the additional effect of donepezil on cognitive function in early AD.

Method

Design

A two-by-two factorial trial comprising stimulation therapy for one year compared to standard care to which a randomized double-blinded placebo controlled trial with donepezil was added.

Setting

Nine rural municipalities in Northern Norway.

Participants

187 participants 65 years and olde

SUBMITTER: Andersen F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3481364 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature