P01-490 - Trazodone in elderly patients with dementia: impact on caregiver burden

Introduction Trazodone is a Serotonin-2A Antagonist/Reuptake Inhibitor (SARI) that combines its ability as a 5/HT 2A receptor antagonist with some serotonin reuptake blockade actions. Studies support its use in the treatment of behavioral disturbances in patients with Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of trazodone in behavioral symptoms and caregiver burden in elderly patients with dementia. Methods In 49 patients (males and females) older than 65 years with dementia (DSM-IV), trazodone was associated to the standard treatment in a single night variable dose (50–200mg). On days 0, 14 and 42 neuropsychiatric disorders and caregiver burden (Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home Version, NPI-NH) were assessed. On days 0 and 42 cognitive impairment was measured by the test Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The Clinical Global Impression (CGI) was administered on the last visit. Statistical evaluation was done by SPSS 17 ® . Results 38 patients completed the study. Global score NPI-NH was significantly reduced (p Trazodone was well tolerated (main adverse effects were: hypotension (4.1%) and somnolence (2%). Patients evolution was positive (CGI). Conclusion Results of this study suggest that trazodone is an effective treatment for behavioral symptoms of dementia. Trazodone reduces caregiver burden without modifying the patient's cognitive function.