Ergot mesylates for alzheimer's disease: A year‐long double‐blind trial of 3 mg vs 12 mg daily

Of 25 patients who entered a year‐long double‐blind comparison study of high (12 mg/day) versus low (3 mg/day) dosages of ergot mesylates (Hydergine), 17 completed the full year of study and no patients suffered problematic side‐effects. On a number of complex tests of memory function, there was no difference between the patients receiving low‐dose versus high‐dose Hydergine. There were also no significant between‐group differences in recognition memory, incidental memory, naming ability, figure drawing, mood or other psychiatric symptoms. These data confirm that Hydergine is safe and that trials in a low dosage range may suffice.