Gonadotrophin–releasing hormone agonist treatment of aggression in Alzheimer's disease: a case report

Abstract

No medication has received regulatory approval in the U.S.A. for the distressing agitation and aggressive behaviors that often complicate dementia. Although studies suggest that several psychotropic medications are sometimes useful for these behavioral problems, response is variable and adverse effects often limit treatment. Theoretical considerations suggest that increasing estrogenic activity or reducing androgenic activity could reduce agitation and aggression in dementia. Estrogen has been reported helpful for these symptoms, but adverse effects are problematic. Chronic administration of the synthetic gonadotropin (luteinising hormone) releasing hormone analogue, goserelin, reduces testosterone activity. Here we describe the apparently sustained elimination of previously treatment-resistant agitation and aggression with goserelin treatment in a 78-year-old male nursing-home resident with Alzheimer's disease.