Valproic acid for agitation in dementia

Abstract

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: Primary objective: To determine the effect of valproic acid on agitation in people with dementia. Secondary objectives: 1. To examine the incidence and types of side effects of valproic acid, especially where they may confound the evaluation of response of agitation to treatment, and the effect of side effects on patients withdrawing from treatment 2. To examine the effect of valproic acid on caregiver burden for those who provide support for demented patients with agitation. 3. To determine if the response to valproic acid is influenced by: · Dose of drug · Duration of treatment · Degree of dementia, type of dementia · Manifestations of agitation· Age of patients Sex of patients