Donepezil in the treatment of progressive supranuclear palsy.
OBJECTIVE
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).


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.
Department of Neurological Sciences, University La Sapienza, Rome. Gfabbrini@katamail.com
G
G
Fabbrini
P
P
Barbanti
V
V
Bonifati
C
C
Colosimo
M
M
Gasparini
N
N
Vanacore
G
G
Meco
D000368:Aged; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D000077265:Donepezil; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007189:Indans / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010880:Piperidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013494:Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D007189:Indans; D010880:Piperidines; D000077265:Donepezil