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Effects Of Donepezil in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease

No drugs are known to cure Alzheimer's disease, but some medications can improve symptoms. Cholinesterase inhibitor medications such as Donepezil hydrochloride are effective in treating symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Donepezil is available under the brand Aricept.

  1. The Problem

    • People with Alzheimer's disease have a loss of brain nerve cells that use the chemical acetylcholine as a chemical messenger. Acetylcholine is important for memory and thinking, and this cell loss is related to the severity of impairment.

    How Donepezil Works

    • Donepezil appears to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to increased concentrations of the chemical in the brain.

    Benefits

    • Treatment with Donepezil in Alzheimer's patients can decrease anxiety and improve confidence, motivation, memory and thinking.

    Statistics

    • According to the Alzheimer's Society, 40 percent to 60 percent of people with Alzheimer's disease improve during treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors, at least temporarily.

    Time Frame

    • As the disease progresses, the body produces less acetylcholine, so Donepezil has not been approved to treat more severe forms of Alzheimer's disease. But the Alzheimer's Society notes several studies suggest the drug might continue to help people in more advanced stages.

    Side Effects

    • The most frequent side effects of Donepezil use are diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness, fatigue, headaches and insomnia. Taking low doses at first or splitting the dose can help.

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