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Rebecca Voelker

JAMA. 2008;299(15):1763.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

The latest review of medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with dementia shows that even though the drugs pass muster statistically on scales that measure patients' cognitive function, they produce little if any clinically meaningful benefit (Raina P et al. Ann Intern Med. 2008;148[5]:379-397). Results of the review, experts say, point to an urgent need for more thorough, independent research on the pharmacologic treatment of dementia.

A guideline based on the review advises physicians that because evidence of effectiveness is scant, the drugs should not be used routinely for patients with dementia (Qaseem A et al. Ann Intern Med. 2008;148[5]:370-378). "The decision to initiate therapy should be based on individual assessment," said Amir Qaseem, MD, PhD, MHA, lead author of the guideline and senior medical associate in clinical programs and quality of care at the American College of . . . [Full Text of this Article]

GROWING CONCERN



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