Is there evidence for using ketamine among individuals with dementia?
The Journal of international medical research – June 01, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
Ketamine shows promise in managing challenging symptoms of dementia, including severe agitation and depression. Three documented cases reveal positive outcomes: one patient's depression improved with subcutaneous treatment, another's acute behavioral disturbance was calmed via intramuscular delivery, and a third case showed success using ketamine during therapy for catatonia. All patients tolerated the treatment well with no major side effects.
Abstract
The aim of this short narrative review was to evaluate the existing literature regarding the clinical use of ketamine among individuals with dementia, especially those with behavioral disturbances. PubMed, Cochrane, and Ovid (Embase, APA PsycINFO, and MEDLINE) databases were searched for abstracts using the search terms "ketamine" AND "dementia." Only articles describing the use of ketamine in individuals with dementia were included. Articles that did not include individuals with dementia, did not use ketamine, were published in a non-English language, primarily described animal studies, or were reviews were excluded. Three case reports met the inclusion criteria. One described the use of subcutaneous ketamine for depression, one described the use of intramuscular ketamine for acute agitation, and one described the use of S-ketamine as anesthesia during electroconvulsive therapy for depression and catatonia. No significant adverse effects were reported in any of the cases. Although the use of ketamine in the treatment of depression and agitation associated with dementia has potential, the current evidence remains limited. High-quality prospective studies are needed to confirm the observations of these case reports before ketamine can be used to treat behavioral disturbances in individuals with dementia.