(December 1, 2008 - Insidermedicine) A drug used to slow progression of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s may be beneficial even for those whose condition has progressed to a severe stage, according to research published in The Lancet Neurology.

Here are some warning signs for Alzheimer’s:

•    Memory loss that goes beyond occasionally forgetting names and appointments.

•    Difficulty performing familiar tasks, such as preparing a meal or making a phone call.

•    Becoming disoriented in time and space, such as taking a walk in a familiar neighborhood and getting lost.

Researchers from the University of Manchester randomly assigned over 400 patients whose average age was over 80 and who had severe Alzheimer’s disease to treatment with galantamine, a drug commonly referred to as Reminyl, or a placebo.

Those who received the drug showed improvements in intellectual functioning, particularly their memory, ability to carry out tasks involving movement, and their visual-spatial capacity. Those who received Reminyl also lived longer, on average. However, those who received the drug did not see an improvement in their ability to carry out daily living tasks.

We had a chance to speak with Dr. Martin Farlow, who wrote an editorial on this study and offered some further insight.

Today’s research suggests that some patients with severe Alzheimer’s living in nursing homes may benefit from treatment with Reminyl.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.