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Updated: May 11, 2026

A Computerized Test Battery to Study Pharmacodynamic Effects on the Central Nervous System of Cholinergic Drugs in Early Phase Drug Development
07:02

A Computerized Test Battery to Study Pharmacodynamic Effects on the Central Nervous System of Cholinergic Drugs in Early Phase Drug Development

Published on: February 11, 2019

Cholinesterase inhibitors modulate autonomic function in patients with Alzheimer´s disease and mixed dementia

Filipi Leles da Costa Dias1, Rose Mary Ferreira Lisboa da Silva, Edgar Nunes de Moraes

  • 1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Aplicadas à Saúde do Adulto e. filipileles@gmail.com

Current Alzheimer Research
|May 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) used for dementia treatment may improve autonomic nervous system (ANS) function and lower blood pressure. Studies show ChEIs decrease blood pressure and alter heart rate variability during orthostatic challenges in dementia patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are primary dementia treatments.
  • These drugs have systemic effects impacting the cardiovascular and autonomic nervous systems (ANS).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the cardiovascular and ANS effects of ChEIs in dementia patients.
  • To assess changes in blood pressure, EKG, and heart rate variability (HRV) during orthostatic challenges.

Main Methods:

  • Thirty-nine dementia patients underwent clinical evaluations before and during ChEIs therapy.
  • Methods included orthostatic challenges, EKG, and Holter-recorded HRV spectral analysis.

Main Results:

  • ChEIs therapy reduced supine and orthostatic diastolic and systolic blood pressure.
  • While static HRV was unchanged, orthostatic challenge showed increased LF/HF ratio and reduced HF component.
  • No significant influence on EKG parameters or orthostatic hypotension was observed.

Conclusions:

  • ChEIs therapy is associated with improved ANS functional behavior in dementia patients.
  • A decrease in both supine and orthostatic blood pressure was noted with ChEIs treatment.

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