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Effects of donepezil on cognitive functioning in Down syndrome
N Johnson1, C Fahey, B Chicoine
1Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. johnson-@northwestern.edu
American Journal of Mental Retardation : AJMR
|October 17, 2003
Summary
Donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, showed potential for improving language skills in individuals with Down syndrome without dementia. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in larger populations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Down syndrome is associated with cognitive impairments.
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil are used to treat Alzheimer's disease.
- The efficacy of donepezil in non-demented individuals with Down syndrome is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of donepezil on cognitive functioning in individuals with Down syndrome and no dementia.
- To assess the impact of donepezil on language performance and caregiver-reported outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 19 participants with Down syndrome.
- Participants were assigned to either a donepezil or placebo group.
- Cognitive function and caregiver ratings were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks.
Main Results:
- No significant improvements were observed in overall cognitive subtests, behavioral scores, or caregiver ratings.
- Participants in the donepezil group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in language scores compared to the placebo group.
Conclusions:
- Donepezil may offer benefits for language performance in individuals with Down syndrome without dementia.
- Larger-scale studies are required to validate these preliminary findings and explore potential therapeutic applications.