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Is there evidence for using ketamine among individuals with dementia?

Arushi Kapoor, Tanya Peguero Estevez, Carol Chan, Natsuko Yamagata, Kyra Doumlele, Rajesh R. Tampi

Journal of International Medical Research June 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1177/03000605241258473 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Narrative review Peer reviewed
Population Individuals with dementia
Intervention ketamine
Topics Depression Ketamine Esketamine
Keywords Agitation Behavioral disturbance Catatonia Ketamine therapy Dementia treatment Psychiatric symptoms Geriatric psychiatry Behavioral management
Citations 11
Key findings Only three case reports describe ketamine use in dementia, with no significant adverse effects, but the evidence is too limited to support clinical use.

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.

Comparable studies

Other narrative reviews on ketamine for depression, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Synthesizing the Evidence for Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: An International Expert Opinion on the Available Evidence and Implementation Adults with treatment-resistant depression 2021 Review
Ketamine: a paradigm shift for depression research and treatment 2019 Review
Rapid‐acting antidepressant ketamine, its metabolites and other candidates: A historical overview and future perspective 2019 Review
Ketamine: A tale of two enantiomers 2020 Review
Molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant actions of arketamine: beyond the NMDA receptor 2021 Review

Citations in the library

Cited by 5

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