Therapeutic Potential of Intravenous Ketamine in Early-Onset Dementia: A Case Report.
Cureus – July 01, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
A groundbreaking case shows how IV ketamine brought renewed hope to a 56-year-old with treatment-resistant early-onset dementia. After standard medications failed, doctors administered intravenous ketamine infusions, leveraging its anti-inflammatory properties. The results were remarkable - the patient experienced significant improvements in memory, focus, and daily functioning. This innovative neurological approach suggests promising new possibilities for treating Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Abstract
This case report discusses the use of intravenous (IV) ketamine as a potential therapeutic agent for early-onset dementia. A 56-year-old female with a diagnosis of early-onset dementia showed significant cognitive decline despite trying and failing several standard treatments such as memantine, donepezil, and rivastigmine. Given the promising results of ketamine in other neurological and psychiatric disorders, the patient underwent a series of IV ketamine infusions over a period of two months. Following treatment, there was a notable improvement in cognitive function, mood, and daily living activities. By the end of her treatments, the patient stated she had more mental clarity, increased focus, improved memory, and increased energy. This case highlights the potential use of ketamine as a novel treatment approach for early-onset dementia and warrants further investigation in larger clinical trials.