Evidence supporting the use of: Galantamine
For the health condition: Thinking (cloudy)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Galantamine is an alkaloid that acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, thereby increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain. This mechanism underlies its approval by the FDA and other regulatory agencies for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, a condition characterized by progressive cognitive decline, including difficulties with memory, thinking, and reasoning. Multiple randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials have shown that galantamine can provide modest improvements in cognitive function, global clinical status, and activities of daily living in patients with Alzheimer's disease. These effects are most pronounced in those with mild to moderate disease and are generally measured using standardized cognitive assessment tools such as the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog). While galantamine is not approved for use in individuals with general "cloudy thinking" (subjective cognitive complaints not meeting criteria for dementia), its scientifically validated use in Alzheimer's disease provides a strong rationale for its ability to support thinking in populations with diagnosed neurodegenerative cognitive impairment. There is limited or insufficient evidence for its efficacy in non-demented individuals or for mild, non-specific cognitive symptoms. Most side effects are cholinergic in nature, including gastrointestinal symptoms. In summary, the use of galantamine to support thinking is grounded in scientific research, but primarily in the context of Alzheimer's-type dementia rather than general cognitive complaints.
Other health conditions supported by Galantamine
Alzheimer's DiseaseDementia
Memory and Brain Function
Senility
Thinking (cloudy)