title: Adherence to cholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer's disease: a review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Treatment adherence is a major problem in numerous medical conditions, and is a particular challenge in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  
  
  METHODS
  This non-systematic review summarises the current literature on factors that affect adherence to cholinesterase inhibitors, the mainstay of AD treatment. Articles listed on PubMed and published during the last 10 years were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Intentional factors affecting adherence include patient, caregiver and prescriber beliefs about therapies and the disease itself. Unintentional factors include tolerability, physical limitations of the patient and caregiver burden. Interventions aiming to improve adherence include educational programmes and new drug delivery methods.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Due to the high level of caregiver involvement in the care of patients with AD, strategies that address caregiver concerns may improve adherence.
authors: Atlantis Healthcare, London W4 5YA, UK. bradykbs@msn.com
authors: Roseanna
authors: R
authors: Brady
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Weinman
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001290:Attitude; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D017028:Caregivers; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003469:Culture; D018450:Disease Progression; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D006801:Humans; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D018697:Nootropic Agents