Electroconvulsive Therapy for Agitation in Alzheimer Disease

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer disease (AD) patients frequently exhibit agitated behaviors that can be difficult to treat pharmacologically due to side effects and lack of efficacy. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a potential treatment option for patients who have failed medication trials. METHODS: Chart review of agitated AD patients treated at Mayo Clinic with ECT from 2001 to 2006. RESULTS: Of 11 patients, 9 had improvement or remission of agitated behavior. Hospitalizations in the year after the initial ECT series decreased significantly for all patients in the study. CONCLUSIONS: Electroconvulsive therapy is a safe and effective treatment for agitation in AD patients.