Dihydroergotoxine: 6-mg versus 3-mg dosage in the treatment of senile dementia. Preliminary report.

In 14 patients with senile dementia, a study was made of two dosage levels (3 mg or 6 mg daily) of dihydroergotoxine mesylate (DEM, Hydergine). Only a nonstatistically significant trend was found for superiority of the higher dosage. However, one patient showed remarkable clinical improvement during the 6-mg period; the mechanism remains unexplained. Further studies are needed with this higher dosage in less impaired patients and in those with well-defined cerebral pathologic changes.