Vascular dementia is the second commonest form of dementia, and vascular factors contribute to the development of dementia in many patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Galantamine amplifies the acetylcholine response by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase and modulating nicotinic receptors. It has shown broad, sustained benefits in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

The authors of this trail concluded that a cholinergic drug in patients with probable vascular dementia or Alzheimer’s disease combined with cerebrovascular disease, galantamine showed significant benefits in cognition, activities of daily living, behaviour, and global function. The broad benefits are desirable in a chronic disease such as dementia, with potential favourable effects on the burden of carers and health-care resources.