Vertebrobasilar Arterial Insufficiency with Dementia. Controlled Trials of Treatment with Betahistine Hydrochloride*

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A double‐blind cross‐over study was made of the effects of betahistine hydrochloride in 50 patients who had symptoms and signs of vertebrobasilar insufficiency associated with dementia, confirmed by detailed neurologic and clinical investigation. They were treated for six weeks by oral administration of either betahistine‐HCl (32 mg daily in four doses) or an identical‐appearing placebo, and then for six weeks by these preparations in reverse order. Evaluations made initially and at six‐week intervals included detailed assessment of neurologic functions rated according to a quantitative scale. A series of neuropsychologic tests was also given before and after each treatment period. Statistical analyses of neurologic and of psychologic status showed significant improvement with betahistine‐HCl therapy, particularly with respect to verbal and nonverbal cognition, memory, language use, spatial construction, perceptual‐motor coordination and perception. Measurements of regional and mean cerebral blood flow indicated a significant increase with betahistine therapy.