An Open Dose Finding Study of Melperone in Treatment of Agitation and Irritability Associated with Dementia^*

Abstract

Seventeen older patients with a diagnosis of Organic Brain Syndrome were placed on a four-week trial of melperone for treatment of behavioural disturbances associated with dementia. Efficacy evaluation of the drug revealed improved ratings of the patients in the areas of agitation/irritability, anxiety, unsociability, and mental alertness. Thirteen of the fourteen patients who completed the trial were rated generally as showing at least minimal improvement while on the drug. There were no serious side effects noted, with drowsiness the most frequent finding. These favourable results are suggestive of the usefulness of this drug, and point to the need for double-blind, comparative studies.