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Further analysis of the cognitive effects of tetrahydroaminoacridine (THA) in Alzheimer's disease: assessment of attentional and mnemonic function using CANTAB

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Abstract

Results of a placebo controlled cross-over trial (N=89) of the anticholinesterase drug THA as a treatment for dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT) are reported, with reference to previous trials of the drug and the cholinergic hypothesis of aging and dementia. Using computerised tests sensitive to specific aspects of memory and attention, evidence is found for improvements in attentional function rather than memory, in patients with mild to moderate DAT. Although these improvements were significant, they were small and restricted to certain tests of attentional function. Nevertheless, they add to the growing body of evidence that the cholinergic system is involved in the control of attentional processes. The results will be relevant to future investigations into the therapeutic effects of enhancement of the cholinergic system in DAT sufferers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EB, Cambridge, UK

    Barbara J. Sahakian, Adrian M. Owen & Katie Hill

  2. Section of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, SE5 8AF, London, UK

    Nicola J. Morant, Sarah A. Eagger, Stephen Boddington, Lissa Crayton, Helena A. Crockford, Maureen Crooks & Raymond Levy

Authors
  1. Barbara J. Sahakian
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  2. Adrian M. Owen
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  3. Nicola J. Morant
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  4. Sarah A. Eagger
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  5. Stephen Boddington
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  6. Lissa Crayton
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  7. Helena A. Crockford
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  8. Maureen Crooks
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  9. Katie Hill
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  10. Raymond Levy
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Sahakian, B.J., Owen, A.M., Morant, N.J. et al. Further analysis of the cognitive effects of tetrahydroaminoacridine (THA) in Alzheimer's disease: assessment of attentional and mnemonic function using CANTAB. Psychopharmacology 110, 395–401 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02244644

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02244644

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