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Sodium Valproate in the Treatment of Behavioral Disturbance in Dementia

Geropsychiatry Program (Dr Mellow), Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, the Psychiatry Service (Dr Mellow), Ann Arbor VA Medical Center, Ann Arbor, and the Psychiatry Service (Dr Solano-Lopez and Ms Davis), Battle Creek VA Medical Center, Battle Creek, MI.

Carlos Solano-Lopez, MD

Geropsychiatry Program (Dr Mellow), Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, the Psychiatry Service (Dr Mellow), Ann Arbor VA Medical Center, Ann Arbor, and the Psychiatry Service (Dr Solano-Lopez and Ms Davis), Battle Creek VA Medical Center, Battle Creek, MI.

Sue Davis, BS

Geropsychiatry Program (Dr Mellow), Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, the Psychiatry Service (Dr Mellow), Ann Arbor VA Medical Center, Ann Arbor, and the Psychiatry Service (Dr Solano-Lopez and Ms Davis), Battle Creek VA Medical Center, Battle Creek, MI.

Management of the behavioral complications of dementia, including agitation and aggression, presents a tremendous challenge to families and caregivers of afflicted patients. Most previous pharmacotherapies have shown minimal efficacy and significant side effects. We report our initial, open-label experience using the anticonvulsant sodium valproate in four dementia patients with severe behavioral disturbance. The drug was well tolerated by all patients, with no side effects or laboratory abnormalities, during 1- to 3-month trials. Two patients showed significant improvement in behavior, and a third had a transient response. Valproate may be a useful agent in the treatment of behavioral disturbance in dementia; controlled trials are needed to document its efficacy.

Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, Vol. 6, No. 4, 205-209 (1993)
DOI: 10.1177/089198879300600404


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