How to Assess the Effectiveness of Aricept

Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that destroys the ability to think, learn, communicate, remember and handle daily activities. It is a progressive and fatal disease that currently has no cure. Treatments for Alzheimer’s include medications like Aricept and Namenda, supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids and ginkgo biloba, as well as medications like Prozac and Paxil to regulate behavior, according to the Alzheimers.org website. Aricept, or its generic equivalent donepezil, is a medication used to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Assessing the effectiveness of medications like Aricept can be done through careful observation of the patient.

Instructions

• 1

  Observe changes in cognitive function. See if there is an improvement in cognitive abilities like thinking, communication or learning. This may be as subtle as less deterioration in these areas, but can still be counted as progress. Aricept’s effect is to slow the progression of the disease, and these improvements may be quite small but important in allowing the patient to sustain a reasonably normal life. Aricept is not equally effective on all patients, and improvements can be difficult to judge given individual rates of decline.

• 2

  Note any changes in behavioral symptoms. The patient may be more cooperative and engaged and may require fewer mood-stabilizing drugs. He may demonstrate less anxiety, a reduction in paranoia and hallucinations, as well as increased attention and ability to enjoy social interaction, according to the National Institute for Health. Aricept’s side effects can include depression, fatigue, abnormal dreams, nervousness, uncontrollable movements and seizures. Alzheimer’s patients may be prescribed drugs such as Prozac, Paxil, Celexa or Zoloft to help with depression or sleep problems. Medication interactions should always be thoroughly discussed with the patient’s physician. Factors in the environment can also affect the behavior of Alzheimer’s patients. All of these factors must be taken into account when trying to assess the effectiveness of Aricept on the patient’s behavior.

• 3

  Track the patient’s ability to carry on daily activities. Clinical trials with Aricept indicate an increase in the patient’s ability to engage in daily living activities such as dressing, bathing and grooming. If there are gradual improvements in the patient’s ability to manage these activities after taking Aricept, it is a good indication of the effectiveness of the drug. Aricept will not work equally well in all patients. According to the Johns Hopkins Health Alert, benefits from the drug may not be fully apparent for several months. Patients may see benefits from the medication for up to five years.