In studies of cholinergic agents that might be useful in treating ADHD, researchers felt that galantamine was the most promising.

Galantamine (Galanthus nivalis), a natural compound derived from the snowdrop plant, is a natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Studies have reported that galantamine can offer significant cognitive support to Alzheimers Disease (AD) and dementia patients.

In recent research, galantamine has become an important therapeutic option used to slow down the process of neurological degeneration in AD. Other studies indicate that snowdrop can slow the progression of AD and improve memory and behavior.

In a German study, investigators looked at galantamine’s effect on behavioral symptoms in AD. Researchers analyzed data from 2,033 subjects with mild-to-moderate AD who had participated in one of three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.

In these trials, which lasted for 3, 5, and 6 months, 686 subjects received treatment with placebo and 1,347 subjects received daily treatment with galantamine. After analyzing the data, the researchers determined that, compared to placebo-treated subjects, galantamine-treated subjects experienced statistically significant improvements in such symptoms as hallucinations, anxiety, apathy, and aberrant motor behaviors.

Galantamine can support cognitive function and memory in AD patients. In one multicenter, double-blind, placebo controlled trial conducted in Europe and Canada, 653 patients with mild to moderate AD were treated with either galantamine or a placebo. After six months, patients receiving galantamine showed significantly improved scores on an 11 item Alzheimer’s assessment scale compared to placebo. The researchers concluded that galantamine slowed declines in functional ability and cognition in AD. This body of research indicates that galantamine is effective for long-term maintenance of cognitive function in patients with AD.


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