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Experiences with Brexpiprazole in the Management of Agitation Due to Dementia in a University Clinic: A Case Series

Year 2025, Volume: 11 Issue: 1, 41 - 44, 21.03.2025
https://doi.org/10.30934/kusbed.1617807

Abstract

This case series focuses on the use of brexpiprazole in the management of agitation associated with dementia. Dementia is characterized by cognitive and functional impairments, as well as behavioral symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, and depression. A multidisciplinary approach is required for treatment, with pharmacological interventions carefully evaluated.
The effects of brexpiprazole were examined in patients with three different types of dementia (vascular, frontotemporal, and Alzheimer’s). Treatment was administered in doses ranging from 0.5 to 2 mg/day, and a reduction in agitation symptoms was observed in all cases. In Case 1 (vascular dementia), agitation markedly decreased, while in Case 2 (frontotemporal dementia), the patient’s social and daily functionality improved. In Case 3 (Alzheimer’s dementia), sleep disturbances were alleviated, although dizziness and falls necessitated dose reduction.
The findings suggest that brexpiprazole may be an effective option for treating agitation associated with dementia. The drug’s multi-receptor effects contribute to symptom improvement, while its side effects may vary among individuals. These results support the use of brexpiprazole as part of personalized treatment plans.

References

  • Dementia. Accessed January 7, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia
  • Dementias | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed January 7, 2025. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/dementias
  • Kales HC, Gitlin LN, Lyketsos CG. Assessment and management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. BMJ. 2015;350:h369. doi:10.1136/BMJ.H369.
  • Reus VI, Fochtmann LJ, Eyler AE, et al. The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline on the Use of Antipsychotics to Treat Agitation or Psychosis in Patients With Dementia. Am J Psychiatry. 2016;173(5):543-546. doi:10.1176/APPI.AJP.2015.173501.
  • FDA Approves First Drug to Treat Agitation Symptoms Associated with Dementia due to Alzheimer’s Disease | FDA. Accessed January 7, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-treat-agitation-symptoms-associated-dementia-due-alzheimers-disease
  • Lee D, Slomkowski M, Hefting N, et al. Brexpiprazole for the Treatment of Agitation in Alzheimer Dementia: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Neurol. 2023;80(12):1307. doi:10.1001/JAMANEUROL.2023.3810.
  • Hope J, Castle D, Keks NA. Brexpiprazole: a new leaf on the partial dopamine agonist branch. https://doi.org/101177/1039856217732473. 2017;26(1):92-94. doi:10.1177/1039856217732473.
  • Davies SJ, Burhan AM, Kim D, et al. Sequential drug treatment algorithm for agitation and aggression in Alzheimer’s and mixed dementia. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 2018;32(5):509-523. doi:10.1177/0269881117744996.
  • Stahl SM. Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology. Cambridge University Press; 2021. doi:10.1017/9781108975292.
  • Nakamura Y, Adachi J, Hirota N, et al. Brexpiprazole treatment for agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia: A randomized study. Alzheimer’s & Dementia. 2024;20(11):8002-8011. doi:10.1002/alz.14282.

Experiences with Brexpiprazole in the Management of Agitation Due to Dementia in a University Clinic: A Case Series

Year 2025, Volume: 11 Issue: 1, 41 - 44, 21.03.2025
https://doi.org/10.30934/kusbed.1617807

Abstract

This case series focuses on the use of brexpiprazole in the management of agitation associated with dementia. Dementia is characterized by cognitive and functional impairments, as well as behavioral symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, and depression. A multidisciplinary approach is required for treatment, with pharmacological interventions carefully evaluated.
The effects of brexpiprazole were examined in patients with three different types of dementia (vascular, frontotemporal, and Alzheimer’s). Treatment was administered in doses ranging from 0.5 to 2 mg/day, and a reduction in agitation symptoms was observed in all cases. In Case 1 (vascular dementia), agitation markedly decreased, while in Case 2 (frontotemporal dementia), the patient’s social and daily functionality improved. In Case 3 (Alzheimer’s dementia), sleep disturbances were alleviated, although dizziness and falls necessitated dose reduction.
The findings suggest that brexpiprazole may be an effective option for treating agitation associated with dementia. The drug’s multi-receptor effects contribute to symptom improvement, while its side effects may vary among individuals. These results support the use of brexpiprazole as part of personalized treatment plans.

References

  • Dementia. Accessed January 7, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia
  • Dementias | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed January 7, 2025. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/dementias
  • Kales HC, Gitlin LN, Lyketsos CG. Assessment and management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. BMJ. 2015;350:h369. doi:10.1136/BMJ.H369.
  • Reus VI, Fochtmann LJ, Eyler AE, et al. The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline on the Use of Antipsychotics to Treat Agitation or Psychosis in Patients With Dementia. Am J Psychiatry. 2016;173(5):543-546. doi:10.1176/APPI.AJP.2015.173501.
  • FDA Approves First Drug to Treat Agitation Symptoms Associated with Dementia due to Alzheimer’s Disease | FDA. Accessed January 7, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-treat-agitation-symptoms-associated-dementia-due-alzheimers-disease
  • Lee D, Slomkowski M, Hefting N, et al. Brexpiprazole for the Treatment of Agitation in Alzheimer Dementia: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Neurol. 2023;80(12):1307. doi:10.1001/JAMANEUROL.2023.3810.
  • Hope J, Castle D, Keks NA. Brexpiprazole: a new leaf on the partial dopamine agonist branch. https://doi.org/101177/1039856217732473. 2017;26(1):92-94. doi:10.1177/1039856217732473.
  • Davies SJ, Burhan AM, Kim D, et al. Sequential drug treatment algorithm for agitation and aggression in Alzheimer’s and mixed dementia. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 2018;32(5):509-523. doi:10.1177/0269881117744996.
  • Stahl SM. Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology. Cambridge University Press; 2021. doi:10.1017/9781108975292.
  • Nakamura Y, Adachi J, Hirota N, et al. Brexpiprazole treatment for agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia: A randomized study. Alzheimer’s & Dementia. 2024;20(11):8002-8011. doi:10.1002/alz.14282.
There are 10 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Psychiatry
Journal Section Case Report
Authors

Aila Gareayaghi 0000-0001-8453-0321

Ezgi Şişman 0000-0001-9496-991X

Mert Türksoy 0009-0006-4989-0528

Aslıhan Özlem Polat Işık 0000-0001-9649-8701

Publication Date March 21, 2025
Submission Date January 11, 2025
Acceptance Date February 19, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 11 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Gareayaghi, A., Şişman, E., Türksoy, M., Işık, A. Ö. P. (2025). Experiences with Brexpiprazole in the Management of Agitation Due to Dementia in a University Clinic: A Case Series. Kocaeli Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, 11(1), 41-44. https://doi.org/10.30934/kusbed.1617807
AMA Gareayaghi A, Şişman E, Türksoy M, Işık AÖP. Experiences with Brexpiprazole in the Management of Agitation Due to Dementia in a University Clinic: A Case Series. KOU Sag Bil Derg. March 2025;11(1):41-44. doi:10.30934/kusbed.1617807
Chicago Gareayaghi, Aila, Ezgi Şişman, Mert Türksoy, and Aslıhan Özlem Polat Işık. “Experiences With Brexpiprazole in the Management of Agitation Due to Dementia in a University Clinic: A Case Series”. Kocaeli Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 11, no. 1 (March 2025): 41-44. https://doi.org/10.30934/kusbed.1617807.
EndNote Gareayaghi A, Şişman E, Türksoy M, Işık AÖP (March 1, 2025) Experiences with Brexpiprazole in the Management of Agitation Due to Dementia in a University Clinic: A Case Series. Kocaeli Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 11 1 41–44.
IEEE A. Gareayaghi, E. Şişman, M. Türksoy, and A. Ö. P. Işık, “Experiences with Brexpiprazole in the Management of Agitation Due to Dementia in a University Clinic: A Case Series”, KOU Sag Bil Derg, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 41–44, 2025, doi: 10.30934/kusbed.1617807.
ISNAD Gareayaghi, Aila et al. “Experiences With Brexpiprazole in the Management of Agitation Due to Dementia in a University Clinic: A Case Series”. Kocaeli Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 11/1 (March 2025), 41-44. https://doi.org/10.30934/kusbed.1617807.
JAMA Gareayaghi A, Şişman E, Türksoy M, Işık AÖP. Experiences with Brexpiprazole in the Management of Agitation Due to Dementia in a University Clinic: A Case Series. KOU Sag Bil Derg. 2025;11:41–44.
MLA Gareayaghi, Aila et al. “Experiences With Brexpiprazole in the Management of Agitation Due to Dementia in a University Clinic: A Case Series”. Kocaeli Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 11, no. 1, 2025, pp. 41-44, doi:10.30934/kusbed.1617807.
Vancouver Gareayaghi A, Şişman E, Türksoy M, Işık AÖP. Experiences with Brexpiprazole in the Management of Agitation Due to Dementia in a University Clinic: A Case Series. KOU Sag Bil Derg. 2025;11(1):41-4.