Dementia refers to a condition where there is a loss of intellectual function (cognition). It is usually a progressive condition that interferes with normal social and occupational activities.

Patients with frontal lobe dementia (FLD) suffer from a destruction of the brain cells found in the frontal lobe of the brain. Loss of frontal lobe neurons can cause changes in personality, such as aggressiveness, agitation, and depression. In addition, patients with FLD may have difficulty planning tasks and may have a loss of motivation.

Researchers believe that the cells lost in the frontal lobe of the brain are responsible for producing a chemical called serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which means it is used by neurons to communicate with other neurons. Researchers are inclined to believe that by replacing the missing serotonin, symptoms of FLD may be relieved.

Drugs known as serotonin uptake inhibitors, help to maintain high levels of serotonin in the body. They have been used successfully to treat patients with depression and patients with violent / impulsive behaviors. Sertraline is a serotonin reuptake blocker that is relatively easy to give (once daily), is safer than most other serotonin reuptake blockers (very little effect on vital enzyme systems [cytochrome P-450]), and has few interactions with other drugs.

This study is designed to test the effectiveness of Sertaline for the treatment of symptoms associated with FLD. Patients participating in the study will receive Sertaline for 6 weeks and a placebo "inactive sugar pill" for 6 weeks. During the study, researchers will test psychological and neurological functions to measure the effects of the drug.

Phase
Phase I

Further Study Details: 

Expected Total Enrollment:  30

Degeneration of frontal serotonin-containing neurons occurs in frontal lobe dementia (FLD). The associated loss of serotonin transmission may contribute to the frontal lobe dysfunction associated with this disorder. FLD patients will undergo a controlled clinical trial of an orally administered serotonergic agent (Sertraline) which acts centrally to selectively block serotonin uptake to treat patients' cognitive and behavioral frontal dysfunction. Study subjects will be evaluated at regular intervals with a battery of neuropsychological and behavioral tests designed to assess frontal and other cognitive functions. In addition, compliance and levels of the medication will be measured in the blood and when possible in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Genders Eligible for Study:  Both

Criteria

Characterized as having behavioral manifestations using a standardized neuropsychiatric scale and interview.
FLD patients' frontal cognitive sysfunctions characterized using a short neurobehavioral test battery.
Patients must be able to be tested and cooperative with the procedures required in this protocol.
No contraindications to the use of Sertraline.
No medical conditions that can reasonably be expected to subject the patient to unwarranted risk (e.g., cancer) or require frequent changes in medication. Well-controlled medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes will not be excluded.
Patients must not be pregnant or nursing and must be using effective contraception, if still at child-bearing age.
No history of prior severe traumatic brain injury or other severe neurologic or psychiatric condition, such as psychosis, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury.
Not using any psychotropic medication which cannot be stopped 4 weeks before the study.

Maryland
      National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), 9000 Rockville Pike,  Bethesda,  Maryland,  20892,  United States

Study ID Numbers:  980046; 98-N-0046
Record last reviewed:  November 25, 1998
Last Updated:  December 11, 2002
Record first received:  November 3, 1999
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:  NCT00001777
Health Authority: United States: Federal Government
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on 2005-04-08