Comparison between methylphenidate and placebo as adjuvant in care and rehabilitation of geriatric patients.

The aim of the present study was to establish to what extent a short-term treatment with methylphenidate would have such practical clinical effects that possibilities for medical rehabilitation would be improved. Other purposes of the investigation were to certify therapeutically acceptable plasma concentrations in the elderly, and to study possible mental and physical effects of the suddenly improved and greatly extended daily attention given to the patient during the course of the study. 24 fatigued, elderly patients (70-93 years) were treated with methylphenidate/placebo for 9 days. The study was carried out as a double-blind test. Although a significant effect on heart rate and blood pressure was recorded when the full dose (20 mg) had been reached, no difference in mental or physical performance was observed between the two groups.