Pharmacological Approaches to the Treatment of Dementia in Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Studies

Author(s)

de Oliveira, Laura Cavalcanti ; de Paula Faria, Daniele

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Molecules; v. 27, n. 10, p. 11-pg., 2022-05-01.

Abstract

Down Syndrome (DS) is considered the most frequent form of Intellectual Disability, with important expressions of cognitive decline and early dementia. Studies on potential treatments for dementia in this population are still scarce. Thus, the current review aims to synthesize the different pharmacological approaches that already exist in the literature, which focus on improving the set of symptoms related to dementia in people with DS. A total of six studies were included, evaluating the application of supplemental antioxidant therapies, such as alpha-tocopherol; the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drugs, such as donepezil; N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, such as memantine; and the use of vitamin E and a fast-acting intranasal insulin. Two studies observed important positive changes related to some general functions in people with DS (referring to donepezil). In the majority of studies, the use of pharmacological therapies did not lead to improvement in the set of symptoms related to dementia, such as memory and general functionality, in the population with DS. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/15167-1 - Translational neuroimaging in intellectual disability: evaluation of molecular changes associated with aging in Down Syndrome
• Grantee: Daniele de Paula Faria
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/11728-9 - PET imaging for the evaluation of neuroinflammation in the aging of people with Down Syndrome
• Grantee: Laura Cavalcanti de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master