The selective muscarinic agonist xanomeline improves both the cognitive deficits and behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer disease

N. C. Bodick, W. W. Offen, H. E. Shannon, J. Satterwhite, R. Lucas, R. Van Lier, S. M. Paul

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

123 Scopus citations

Abstract

The therapeutic effects of selective cholinergic replacement using oral xanomeline, an m1/m4 receptor agonist, were assessed in a multicenter study of 343 patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). Patients were randomized to parallel treatment arms (placebo, 25, 50, and 75 mg t.i.d. xanomeline) and followed through 6 months of double-blind therapy and 1 month of single-blind placebo washout. Completer analysis, using the cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog), revealed a significant treatment effect (75 mg t.i.d. vs. placebo; p = 0.045). Similar assessment of global status, using the Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change, was also significant (75 mg t.i.d. vs. placebo; p = 0.022). Treatment Emergent Signs and Symptoms analysis of the Alzheimer's Disease Symptomatology Scale, revealed highly significant (p ≤ 0.002) dose-dependent reductions in vocal outbursts, suspiciousness, delusions, agitation, and hallucinations. On end-point analysis, the Nurses' Observational Scale for Geriatric Patients also showed a significant dose-response relationship (p = 0.018). The improvement in ADAS-Cog provides the first clinical evidence of involvement of the m1 muscarinic receptor in cognition. Furthermore, the favorable effects of xanomeline on disturbing behaviors suggest a novel approach for treatment of the noncognitive symptoms of AD. Although adverse effects (mainly gastrointestinal) associated with the oral formulation appear to limit its use, a large-scale study investigating the safety and efficacy of transdermal xanomeline is under way.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S16-S22
JournalAlzheimer disease and associated disorders
Volume11
Issue numberSUPPL. 4
StatePublished - 1997

Keywords

  • Alzheimer disease
  • Behavior
  • Cognition
  • Muscarinic
  • Xanomeline

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