title: Cholinesterase inhibitors. Comparing the options for mild-to-moderate dementia.
abstract: Cholinesterase inhibitors can be used as one element of a comprehensive approach to management of mild-to-moderate AD. Benefits include modest cognitive improvement, increased activation, and improved mood and behavior. Patients with other disorders, such as Lewy-body dementia, may also improve. The most common side effects include GI disturbances, insomnia, dizziness, fatigue, and muscle cramps. Adverse effects can be significantly reduced by waiting 4 to 6 weeks before increasing doses. Insomnia may be alleviated by having the patient take the medication early in the day.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Conn
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D018697:Nootropic Agents