The results of a safety analysis, which was performed as a secondary endpoint, suggest that Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate) did not increase the risk of cerebrovascular adverse events (CVAEs) in this group of patients. CVAEs are a side-effect that have been associated with the use of some other atypical antipsychotics in this patient population.
“These results are potentially significant for the dementia population, but suggest that quetiapine be further investigated in clinical trials to assess safety and effectiveness,” said Dr Lon Schneider, professor of psychiatry, neurology, and gerontology at the University of Southern California.
Seroquel is currently approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and the treatment of acute manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. It is not approved for treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.