The pharmacologic treatment of dementia has received much attention in recent years. Hydergine, one of only two drugs approved
by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of dementia, was largely abandoned in the 1980’s due to the uncertainty
of its degree of clinical efficacy. The purpose of our study was to more precisely define the effect of Hydergine on cognitive
function in elderly demented patients by combining the results of multiple weighted studies using similar methodology. All
data came from randomized placebo controlled trials on a total of 271 subjects.
Our results show that Hydergine had a statistically significant effect on global functional status compared to placebo, with
the most significant improvement demonstrated on symptoms of depression, emotional lability, and indifference to surroundings.
Further studies using Hydergine in the treatment of dementia appear to be justified.