Date of Award
3-25-2022
Document Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (MMSc)
First Advisor
Samuel Wilkinson, MD
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy is a procedure whereby patients have electricity delivered to their brain to induce a generalized seizure. Electroconvulsive therapy is highly efficacious in treating conditions such as major depressive disorder, but it can induce temporary cognitive deficits and memory loss. Studies suggest that medications used to slow Alzheimer’s disease may diminish these adverse effects, but we aim to determine whether donepezil and memantine combination therapy can prophylactically protect cognitive functioning and memory in patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy. Using a randomized control design, we assess patients with major depressive disorder before and after electroconvulsive therapy using a battery of cognition and memory tests, including the Columbia University Autobiographical Memory Interview – Short Form. Changes in these scores will be compared within and between patients taking combination therapy and placebo. This work will help improve our understanding of the effects of electroconvulsive therapy, and potentially help alleviate its adverse cognitive effects.
Recommended Citation
Rogers, Ryan Christian, "Combination of Donepezil and Memantine to Mitigate Electroconvulsive Therapy Induced Cognitive Effects" (2022). Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program Theses. 140.
https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/ysmpa_theses/140
This Article is Open Access