Related Experiment Videos
Donepezil in the treatment of progressive supranuclear palsy
G Fabbrini1, P Barbanti, V Bonifati
1Department of Neurological Sciences, University La Sapienza, Rome. Gfabbrini@katamail.com
Objectives:
To evaluate the effect of 3 month therapy with donepezil, a centrally acting cholinesterase inhibitor, on cognitive performances, motor function and daily living activities in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).
Materials And Methods:
Six patients with a diagnosis of PSP were evaluated at baseline and after 3 months of treatment with donepezil, 10 mg given at bedtime. Cognitive functions, motor symptoms and daily activities were evaluated by means of appropriate rating scales.
Results:
Donepezil was not effective on cognitive dysfunction and did not change ratings of daily living. Parkinsonian symptoms were unaffected by donepezil treatment.
Conclusions:
Cholinergic replacement therapy alone is not likely to improve symptoms in a disorder characterized by a more widespread impairment of monoaminergic systems. Larger studies may be necessary to confirm the lack of effect of donepezil in this disorder.