Donepezil for Alzheimer's disease.
Donepezil is the most widely prescribed of the cholinesterase inhibitors that has been licensed for the treatment of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Evidence from a number of clinical trials suggests that it improves cognitive performance and stabilizes the functional abilities in people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Donepezil increases the amount of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain, the deficit of which is thought to play a major role in the clinical presentation of Alzheimer's disease. Studies show good safety and long-term tolerability. In addition, donepezil's pharmacokinetic properties make it convenient to prescribe. There are a number of newer drug therapies in various stages of pharmacological development, but donepezil should continue to play a major role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease for the next few years.
Benjamin
Boben
B
Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Second Floor, Education and Resource Centre, Wythenshawe Hopsital, Southmoor Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK. bobenb@doctors.org.uk
Burns
Alistair
A
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000503:physiopathology; D000818:Animals; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077265:Donepezil; D006801:Humans; D007189:Indans / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010880:Piperidines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D007189:Indans; D018697:Nootropic Agents; D010880:Piperidines; D000077265:Donepezil