This intriguing article from NBC News suggest that a combination drug of dextromethorphan – a cough suppressant – and the anti-arrhythmic drug quinidine may markedly reduce agitation in some Alzheimer’s patients. If this proves true, it could help address one of the most vexing and disturbing symptoms of dementia.
The combination drug is already approved to treat uncontrollable laughing, crying or other outbursts caused by head injuries and degenerative disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.