Comparison of minaprine and placebo in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and multi-infarct dementia

Minaprine, an aminopyridazine derivative, represents a new class of antidepressants; in addition minaprine has been shown to possess cholinomimetic properties in rodents. Thus it seemed of interest to study the efficacy and tolerance of minaprine in the treatment of depressed mood, behavioural impairment and cognitive deterioration of senile dementia. A total of 122 patients were included in this three-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentric trial; 63 patients suffered from senile dementia of Alzheimer's type (SDAT) and 59 from multi-infarct dementia (MID). In both SDAT and MID, minaprine (100 mg bid) was more effective than placebo in relieving depressed mood. In some MID patients, minaprine also improved behavioural impairment. In SDAT patients, minaprine seemed to improve some aspects of cognitive function, as judged by a limited battery of psychometric tests. Overall, minaprine appeared to be more effective in MID, although longer treatment and/or higher dosage may be necessary in SDAT. The incidence of side-effects was low in both treatment groups.