Rivastigmine: An open-label observational study of behavioral symptoms identified as most troubling by caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease

Background. Behavioral problems exhibited by persons with Alzheimer's disease are distressing for caregivers and are associated with a number of negative outcomes, including increased risk of long-term care placement. Studies of cholinesterase inhibitor therapy for up to 1 year document modest improvements in behavioral symptoms and functional status. Objective. The long-term effects of rivastigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, on behavioral symptoms and functional status in a sample of patients with Alzheimer's disease were examined. Design. This is an observational study of behavioral data reported by caregivers for 32 initially mild to moderate Alzheimer's patients participating in an open-label extension of a prospective, randomized study of rivastigmine as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Results. Patients followed in the open-label phase of this trial experienced a decline in behavioral symptoms in general and a decline in symptoms identified as most troubling by the caregiver. Conclusion. This study supports the effectiveness of cholinesterase inhibitors, such as rivastigmine, in the long-term management of behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's patients.