Memory and Mental Health in Aging

A comparison of memory training with and without donepezil.

Study 1:

Investigators evaluated the short-term and longer-term efficacy and effectiveness of a pharmacologic augmentation strategy for a nonpharmacologic treatment to improve memory performance in nondemented older adults. Investigators used a randomized controlled trial with parallel groups design that compares two Treatments: DONEPEZIL + COGNITIVE TRAINING versus PLACEBO + COGNITIVE TRAINING.

Study 2:

The second study looked more closely at dosage. Investigators hoped to determine the best dosage of the drug donepezil for enhancing the effects of the memory training program.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

Study 1 only:

1. Global Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) 0.0 or 0.5, at least 1 Box score = 0.5 and none \> 0.5;
2. Laboratory normal B12, RPR, and Thyroid Function Tests or without any clinically significant abnormalities that would be expected to interfere with the study, plus general clinical chemistry and complete blood count.
3. ECG without clinically significant abnormalities that would be expected to interfere with the study

Study 1 and Study 2:

1. Mini-Mental Exam score between 24 and 30 (inclusive);
2. General cognition and functional performance sufficiently preserved such that a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease cannot be made by the site physician at the time of the screening visit;
3. Permitted medications stable for at least 1 month prior to screening. In particular: a) Subjects may take stable doses of antidepressants lacking significant anticholinergic side effects (if they are not currently depressed and do not have a history of major depression within the past 2 years). b) Estrogen replacement therapy is permissible. c) Ginkgo biloba is permissible, but discouraged.
4. Hamilton Depression Score less than or equal to 12 on the 17-item scale.
5. Visual and auditory acuity adequate to allow neuropsychological testing.
6. General health good with no additional diseases expected to interfere with the study.
7. Women two years post-menopausal or surgically sterile.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any significant neurologic disease such as Possible and Probable AD, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, Huntington's disease, normal pressure hydrocephalus, brain tumor, progressive supranuclear palsy, seizure disorder, subdural hematoma, multiple sclerosis, or history of significant head trauma followed by persistent neurologic defaults or known structural brain abnormalities.
2. Major depression or another major psychiatric disorder as described in DSM IV within the past 2 years. History of schizophrenia (DSM IV criteria). Psychotic features, agitation or behavioral problems within the last 3 months which could lead to difficulty complying with the protocol.
3. History of alcohol or substance abuse or dependence within the past 2 years (DSM IV criteria).
4. Any significant systemic illness or unstable medical condition which could lead to difficulty complying with the protocol including:

   1. History of systemic cancer within the last 5 years (non-metastatic skin cancers are acceptable).
   2. History of myocardial infarction within the past year or unstable or severe cardiovascular disease including angina or CHF with symptoms at rest.
   3. Clinically significant obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma.
   4. Clinically significant and unstable gastrointestinal disorder such as ulcer disease or a history of active or occult gastrointestinal bleeding within two years.
   5. Insulin-requiring diabetes or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
   6. Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP greater than 170 or diastolic greater than 100).
   7. History of clinically significant liver disease, coagulopathy, or vitamin K deficiency within the past 2 years.
5. Use of centrally active beta-blockers, narcotics, methyldopa and clonidine within 4 weeks prior to screening. b) Use of anti-Parkinsonian medications (e.g. Sinemet, amantadine, bromocriptine, pergolide and selegiline) within 2 months prior to screening. c) Use of neuroleptics or narcotic analgesics within 4 weeks prior to screening. d) Use of long-acting benzodiazepines or barbiturates within 4 weeks prior to screening. e) Use of short-acting anxiolytics or sedative hypnotics more frequently than 2 times per week within 4 weeks prior to screening (note: sedative agents should not be used within 72 hours of screening). f) Initiation or change in dose of an antidepressant lacking significant cholinergic side effects within the 4 weeks prior to screening (use of stable doses of antidepressants for at least 4 weeks prior to screening is acceptable). g) Use of systemic corticosteroids within 3 months prior to screening. h) Medications with significant cholinergic or anticholinergic side effects (e.g. pyridostigmine, tricyclic antidepressants, meclizine, and oxybutynin) within 4 weeks prior to screening. i) Use of anti-convulsants (e.g. Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Carbamazepine) within 2 months prior to screening. j) Use of warfarin (Coumadin) within 4 weeks prior to screening.
6. Any prior use of any FDA approved medications for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (e.g. tacrine, donepezil, or other newly approved medications).
7. Use of any investigational drugs within 30 days or 5 half-lives, whichever is longer, prior to screening.