A Controlled Double‐Blind Study of High‐Dose Dihydroergotoxine Mesylate (HydergineR) in Mild Dementia

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Abstract
In a double-blind study of 41 outpatients aged 55 to 80 years with mild memory impairment, the efficacy of dihydroergotoxine mesylate (DEM, HydergineR) at 6 mg per day, administered orally, was tested during a twelve-week period. Specific etiologies for the amnesic syndrome were ruled out by history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Subjects with a Hamilton Depression Scale rating above 18, ie, possible pseudodementia, were excluded. Physician rating of memory, employing the Inventory of Psychic and Somatic Complaints in the Elderly (IPSC-E), indicated statistically significant improvement of memory function in DEM treated subjects (N = 22) v those on placebo (N = 19), (F = 3.34; df = 1,39; P < .04). In contrast, structured testing of recent memory using digit symbol substitution and Zahlenverbindungs test (ZVT) showed improvement in both groups (P < .001) with no significant intergroup differences (P < .10). Out results indicate that in cases of mild, though subjectively distressing impairment, DEM at higher dosages may help to enhance short-term memory function.

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