Cyclandelate in the Treatment of Senile Mental Changes: A Double‐Blind Evaluation

Abstract

The treatment of cerebrovascular insufficiency and its many symptoms in the ever-increasing numbers of the aged, is of major concern to physicians engaged in such care. Despite past skepticism as to the degree of efficacy of cerebral vasodilators, there is renewed interest in this form of therapy. Our investigation was designed to assess the effectiveness of cyclandelate, under strict double-blind conditions, in 58 geriatric patients. The cyclandelate and placebo groups (32 and 26 patients respectively) received either 1,600 mg/day of cyclandelate in fractional doses, or identical-appearing placebo capsules--over a period of 12 weeks. During the initial examination and every four weeks thereafter, patients were assessed for possible changes in vital signs and for evidence of adverse reactions. In addition, the Sandoz Clinical Assessment-Geriatric (SCAG) and the Nurses Observation Scale for Inpatient Evaluation (NOSIE) were completed, with particular attention to symptom clusters. A final global assessment was made in which the physician rated patients according to their overall clinical condition. The results of our study and analysis indicate that cyclandelate is a safe and effective agent for treating certain symptoms of senility in properly selected patients, provided the therapy is carried on for at least eight weeks and, if indicated, for a longer period. Clinical evidence suggests that the prudent use of this drug may definitely delay deterioration.

Efficacy of Nylidrin Hydrochloride in the Treatment of Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly*

“…About 20 million people in the USA are over age 65, and probably 10 percent of them show evidence of significant cognitive impairment associated with aging (1). The search for effective pharmacologic agents to treat cognitive impairment in the aged has accelerated in recent years, particularly for drugs usually classified as cerebrovascular dilators (2–5).…”

Pathophysiology and Psychopharmacology of Dementia – A New Study Design

“…14] emphasized the central mechanisms of action. A thera peutic effect was demonstrated on ratings of clinical, social and behavioral parameters [15][16][17], All these trials indicate that the clinical efficacy of cyclandelate consists in slowing the speed of progression of dementia, rather than in reversing it.…”

Cyclandelate in the Management of Tinnitus: A Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Study

“…Cyclandelate has been used to treat patients with symptoms believed to be caused by cerebrovascular insufficiency, in addition to its more traditional use in treating various peripheral vascular disorders. Earlier studies of this drug predominantly evaluated its use in treating cerebral symptoms and showed that cyclandelate may offer improvement or delay in deterioration of certain symptoms of senility 6–10 . On the basis of these findings, researchers studied the drug's effects on other potential cerebrovascular symptoms: tinnitus, vertigo, and blurred vision.…”

“…Earlier studies of this drug predominantly evaluated its use in treating cerebral symptoms and showed that cyclandelate may offer improvement or delay in deterioration of certain symptoms of senility. [6][7][8][9][10] On the basis of these findings, researchers studied the drug's effects on other potential cerebrovascular symptoms: tinnitus, vertigo, and blurred vision. Two large trials, carried out without placebo control, boasted some improvement in such symptoms.…”