Q. Have there been any studies on the use of Exelon on patients with Frontal Lobe Dementia?

A. I am not aware of any published studies of rivastigmine (Exelon) in the treatment of frontal lobe dementia (FLD). There has been some study of this agent in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), where it appears to be beneficial for psychosis, delusions, anxiety, and apathy (McKeith et al, Lancet 2000;356:2031-36). There are some theoretical reasons for thinking that rivastigmine might be useful in FLDs, such as Pick's Disease, since abnormalities in acetylcholine (muscarinic binding) may be present in these conditions (Weinberger et al, Arch Neurol 1991 Feb;48(2):169-76).

For more information, you might want to try contacting Dr. Daniel Weinberger at the Clinical Brain Disorders Branch, National Institute of Mental Health Neuroscience Center, St Elizabeths, Washington, DC 20032.

August 2002

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