The 12-week multi-national study included 120 patients in the United Kingdom, Finland , Norway and Germany with possible or probable mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, and was designed primarily to measure the safety and tolerability of Aricept and Reminyl.

Additionally, it evaluated the drugs' effects on cognition and daily living activities.

Researchers found that patients receiving Aricept showed at least a two-point advantage over patients receiving Reminyl on various cognitive assessments, recognizing and recalling words, comprehending language, preparing meals and other skills.

The patients were treated according to the recommended dosing , and adjustments for dosage were allowed to relect real world clinical practice.

Results of the study showed that 92 percent of patients receiving the maximum daily dose of Aricept were able to tolerate and maintain the maximum dose, compared to 71 percent of those receiving Reminyl. Nearly one-quarter of patients on Reminyl were scaled down from the maximum dose because of tolerability problems.

Reminyl patients also reported more side effects, including nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

"For patients and their caregivers, these results, along with a simple dosing regimen, will likely mean better ability to tolerate the medication, fewer phone calls and less frequent office visits for managing problematic side effects," said Dr. David Geldmacher, clinical director, University Memory and Aging Center, University Hospitals of Cleveland.

Shire Pharmaceuticals Group PLC, manufacturer of Reminyl, said the trial data should not be regarded as definitive.

Other Sources: University Hospitals of Cleveland, Pfizer, Shiire