Hydergine revisited: A statistical analysis of studies showing efficacy in the treatment of cognitively impaired elderly

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.