A double-blind, placebo-controlled
trial was carried out on 40 patients suffering from moderately advanced
dementia. The patients were allocated randomly either pyritinol (800 mg daily)
or identical placebo for 3 months. Assessments using a modified Crichton
Geriatric Behavioural Rating Scale were made pre-treatment and monthly up to 3
months, and then at follow-up at 6 months. Patients on pyritinol showed
significantly higher levels of improvement than did those on placebo.
Laboratory tests conducted throughout remained within normal limits for both
groups.
