A study, reported in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, indicates that such behavior can be moderated with a new medication. The drug is called risperidone. It has been shown in studies to reduce the severity and frequency of aggressive and agitated behaviors in elderly people with dementia. Nearly 80 percent of people in the late stages of dementia develop violent behaviors. Risperidone can improve the quality of life for these patients and their caregivers.
Researchers say they have found a new use for a drug traditionally given to people with depression.
The drug is mirtazapine, and it appears to offer relief to people with tremors as well. The study, reported in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, showed the drug enabled a woman with Parkinson's disease to play bridge. Before being treated with the drug, the woman had had difficulty holding and dealing playing cards because of hand tremors. Amazingly, in most people we studied, tremors were improved literally overnight after taking mirtazapine. The study involved only five patients, so the researchers caution the findings are preliminary.