Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors have been extensively tested in placebo-controlled studies for use as symptomatic drugs in mild-to-moderate stages of Alzheimer's disease. Published evidence has shown a modest increase in cognitive performance and a stabilisation of functional decline, more evident at higher doses of the respective drugs. It is still unclear as to whether there is a delay in emergence of neuropsychiatric symptoms and in need for nursing home placement. The clinical efficacy of this class of drug will likely be enhanced by combination with other drugs, as well as through non-pharmacologic interventions. Novel trial designs will be required to establish the safety and efficacy of such combinations.
Gauthier
S
Alzheimer's disease Study Unit, McGill Centre for Studies in Aging, 6825 LaSalle Blvd, Verdun, Québec, H4H 1R3, Canada. mbdo@musica.mcgill.ca