1 September 2007
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) - National Government Agency [Non-U.S.]
Summary,

GUIDELINE OBJECTIVE(S)

* To provide an update review of the best quality evidence for the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine for mild to moderately-severe Alzheimer's disease (AD)
* To provide a review of the best quality evidence for the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of memantine for moderately-severe to severe AD

TARGET POPULATION

Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD)

Note: Patients with other forms of dementia (for example, vascular dementia, or dementia with Lewy bodies) are not included.

INTERVENTIONS AND PRACTICES CONSIDERED

1. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
* Donepezil
* Galantamine
* Rivastigmine
2. Memantine (recommended only as part of well designed clinical trials)

MAJOR OUTCOMES CONSIDERED

* Clinical effectiveness
o Global functioning
o Cognition
o Function
o Behaviour and mood
o Health-related quality of life
o Ability to remain independent
o Likelihood of admission to residential/nursing care
o Carer health related quality of life
o Compliance (adherence)
o Adverse events
* Cost effectiveness