Comparative Dynamics of EEG Parameters in Elderly Patients with Depression during Monotherapy and Combined Treatment

Objective. To perform a comparative analysis of changes in the functional status of the brain by quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) during combined antidepressant treatment (venlafaxine and Cerebrolysin) and monotherapy (venlafaxine) of elderly patients with depression. Materials and methods. A total of 40 patients aged 60–79 (mean 67.1 ± 5.7) years took part in the study and were randomized to two groups. Patients of group 1 received venlafaxine at a dose of 75–150 mg/day for four weeks. Patients of group 2 received venlafaxine for four weeks along with Cerebrolysin (20 i.v. drip infusions of 20.0 ml in 100 ml of isotonic NaCl solution). Results and discussion. Both groups of patients noted signifi cant improvements in status by the end of treatment courses in terms of clinical assessment and the HAMD-17, CGI-S, CGI-I, and MMSE scales. Quantitative EEG studies showed that combined therapy with venlafaxine and Cerebrolysin in patients of group 2 led to more marked improvements in the functional state of the brain (increases in spectral power and normalization of the frequency of the parietal-occipital α rhythm) than seen in patients of group 1, who received monotherapy with venlafaxine.

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