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Donepezil for Alzheimer's disease
Boben Benjamin1, Alistair Burns
1Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Second Floor, Education and Resource Centre, Wythenshawe Hopsital, Southmoor Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK. bobenb@doctors.org.uk
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics
|October 18, 2007
Summary
Donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor, effectively treats mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease by boosting acetylcholine levels. Clinical trials confirm its cognitive and functional benefits, alongside good safety and tolerability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
- Acetylcholine deficiency is a key factor in AD's cognitive decline.
- Cholinesterase inhibitors are a primary treatment for mild-to-moderate AD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and safety of donepezil for Alzheimer's disease.
- To highlight donepezil's mechanism of action and pharmacokinetic advantages.
- To assess donepezil's role in current and future AD treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of clinical trial data.
- Analysis of donepezil's pharmacological properties.
- Evaluation of safety and tolerability studies.
Main Results:
- Donepezil significantly improves cognitive function in mild-to-moderate AD patients.
- It helps stabilize functional abilities, maintaining independence.
- Studies demonstrate favorable safety and long-term tolerability profiles.
Conclusions:
- Donepezil is a well-established and effective treatment for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease.
- Its convenient pharmacokinetic profile supports adherence and ease of prescribing.
- Donepezil is expected to remain a cornerstone therapy for AD in the near future.
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