Authors' objectives: To summarise the evidence for the cost effectiveness of rivastigmine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor taken twice daily, to be made available to people with mild to moderate SDAT (MMSE 10-26).

Authors' recommendations: The evidence, from a relatively large series of phase III trials, appears to be of moderate methodological quality, although important details are lacking and insufficient experience has been gained in trials to determine the appropriate duration of treatment. Overall, benefits are modest, subject to considerable uncertainty and are achieved at relatively high cost to the NHS, suggesting that rivastigmine is comparatively poor value for money. However, in a small proportion of people benefits are likely to be clinically significant. Treatment should therefore be targeted at those who show and sustain a response, which demands careful pre-treatment assessment and monitoring of response. Careful monitoring of adverse events is also required.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.wihrd.soton.ac.uk

Year Published: 1998

URL for published report: n/a

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development

Contact Address: Pauline King. Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development, Boldrewood Medical School, Bassett Crescent East, Highfield, Southampton. SO16 7PX Tel. +44 1703 595661 Fax +44 1703 595662

Copyright: Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development (WIHRD)