To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Donepezil Improves Alzheimer's Patients' Ability To Function URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/51A32.htm Doctor's Guide January 22, 1998
ST. PAUL, MN -- January 22, 1998 -- Alzheimer's disease patients suffering with memory and other cognitive impairments may find help with donepezil. The currently-available drug improves patients' cognition and ability to function, according to a study published in the January issue of Neurology. "Although donepezil is not the first treatment for AD, it is the first treatment that is practical for most patients as illustrated by the high proportion of patients that completed the study," said study co-author Lawrence Friedhoff, MD, PhD, Eisai Inc., Teaneck, N.J. "The results show that on average, an AD patient will improve cognitively after six months of treatment with donepezil while patients who receive placebo (inactive pill) will on average have worse cognition after six months." For 24 weeks, 473 patients with mild to moderately severe AD received placebo, 5 mg of donepezil or 10 mg of donepezil. As seen through standard cognitive test performance, 80 percent of the patients receiving donepezil improved or showed no decline in their abilities while taking the drug. The 10 mg dose was shown to be the optimal dose with maximum benefits and good tolerability. Following a six-week wash-out period in which everyone received placebo, no significant differences in ability were seen between the groups. "When donepezil was discontinued, patients cognitive ability declined to the same level as placebo-treated patients. Continued treatment is important to maintain the clinical benefit," Friedhoff said. "Alzheimer's patients lose brain cells that produce acetylcholine, a chemical that carries messages between brain nerve cells. "Donepezil blocks the chemical breakdown of acetylcholine and thereby increases the levels of the chemical in the brain. Donepezil's unique chemical structure makes it more specific for effects on the brain than other drugs." Although some gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, were reported, a high percentage of patients treated with donepezil were able to tolerate the drug. Seven percent of patients receiving placebo, six percent taking 5 mg of donepezil and 17 percent receiving 10 mg discontinued the study due to adverse effects. Donepezil also has a long duration of action which allows a once-a-day dose. Approximately four million Americans currently suffer with Alzheimer's and it is estimated that number will increase to at least seven million by the 21st Century. AD is a debilitating, life-altering disease that attacks the brain. Its primary symptom is progressive memory loss, but difficulties with vision, language skills and emotional control are also common. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.