This study suggests that SAGE is a reliable instrument for detecting cognitive impairment and compares favorably with the MMSE. The self-administered feature may promote cognitive testing by busy clinicians prompting earlier diagnosis and treatment.
In a prospective, open-label, 12-week pilot study in outpatients with probable Alzheimer disease (AD) with psychosis or aggressive behaviors, we used the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) to evaluate the cognitive and behavioral effects of quetiapine. After receiving doses ranging from 50 to 150 mg, patients given quetiapine showed a significant decrease of delusions, aggression, and overall behaviors based on NPI scores at 6 and 12 weeks. ADAS-cog scores did not show a significant change over 12 weeks. This study provides initial evidence that quetiapine does not significantly worsen cognition in AD outpatients.
Drug interactions between enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs and contraceptives are well documented. Higher doses of oral contraceptives or a second contraceptive method are suggested if epileptic women use an enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drug. Planned pregnancy is highly recommended and counseling before conception is crucial. Prepregnancy counseling should include, but is not limited to, folic acid supplementation, optimal control of seizure activity, monotherapy with the lowest effective antiepileptic drug dose, and medication adherence. Patient information should be provided about the risk of teratogenicity and the importance of prenatal care. Antiepileptic drug dosage adjustments may be necessary and should be based on clinical symptoms, not solely on serum drug concentrations. While the future holds promise for many aforementioned women's issues in epilepsy, many questions remain to be answered.
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