Weight Loss in Patients with Dementia: Considering the Potential Impact of Pharmacotherapy

Bart A.A. Franx, Ilse A.C. Arnoldussen, Amanda J. Kiliaan, Deborah R. Gustafson*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

30 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Unintentional body weight loss is common in patients with dementia and is linked to cognitive impairment and poorer disease outcomes. It is proposed that some dementia medications with market approval, while aiming to improve cognitive and functional outcomes of a patient with dementia, are associated with reported body weight or body mass index loss. This review presents evidence in the published literature on body weight loss in dementia, describes selected theories behind body weight loss, evaluates the potential impact of approved dementia pharmacotherapies on body weight, considers the potential role for medical foods, understands the potential influence of treatments for neuropsychiatric symptoms and signs, and finally, summarizes this important area.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)425-436
Number of pages12
JournalDrugs and Aging
Volume34
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2017
Externally publishedYes

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