The effect of Risperidone, Sertraline as monotherapy and in combination with Cholinesterase inhibitors on cognitive functioning due to Alzheimer’s Disease: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder which is characterized by the progressive decline in memory and other cognitive abilities. Behavioral and personality changes can also be present. Depression is also a neuropsychiatric aspect of Alzheimer's disease. Objective:The aim of this study is to compare the effect of risperidone as monotherapy in patients with behavioral problems, sertraline as monotherapy in patients with depression and with the combination of cholinesterase inhibitors on cognitive functioning due to Alzheimer's Disease. Methods and Participants:The study comprised 78 participants diagnosed with AD, all over fifty years of age. The participants were split into 4 groups: groups A and B had everyday behavioral problems, while groups C and D had co-morbid depression. Group A was treated with risperidone 1mg daily, group B with risperidone and cholinesterase inhibitors, Group C was treated with sertraline, and group D with sertraline and cholinesterase inhibitors. Baseline assessment of groups A and B was performed using the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) Scale, Physical Self-Maintenance Scale (PSMS), Mini-Mental State Examination Scale (MMSE), while a follow-up assessment after three and six months was only with MMSE. Groups C and D were assessed with MMSE and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale for baseline assessment and follow-up after 12 months.Results: It was found that group A (treated with risperidone only) showed a statistically significant improvement in MMSE scores with respect to the baseline assessment after 6 months, An improvement not seen in group B (treated with risperidone and cholinesterase inhibitors). Groups C and D did not show any significant improvement in scores on either assessment scale. Conclusion:Risperidone used as monotherapy displayed a positive effect on cognitive function due to Alzheimer's.