An ergot alkaloid
preparation (Hydergine) in the treatment of dementia
Hughes JR, Williams JG, Currier RD.
J Am Geriatr Soc 1976 Nov;24(11):490-7
ABSTRACT
A critical review is presented of 12 clinical
trials with Hydergine (a hydrogenated ergot alkaloid preparation) in the
treatment of dementia. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons of improvement
in symptoms showed that Hydergine consistently produced statistically
significant (p less than or equal to 0.05) improvement in 13 symptoms associated
with dementia. However, because of the small magnitude of the improvement and
the absence of indications of long-term benefit, Hydergine would seem to be of
minor value in dementia therapy. Further research with better methodology and
design might lead to a different conclusion.
