Dementia-related illnesses, cholinesterase

Use of Cholinesterase Inhibitors in Other Dementia-Related Illnesses. .. 45... 

Besides their use in Alzheimer s disease, cholinesterase inhibitors have been extended to treat other dementias and related illnesses, which may include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy Bodies, dementia associated with Parkinson s, mild cognitive impairment, and mixed dementia. Research is particularly important in this area since it is not uncommon for Alzheimer s disease to be co-morbid with other types of dementia. Therefore, it is important to devote a section briefly discussing recent flndings and the use of... 

Abstract Alzheimer s disease is an illness that affects not only the pahents themselves but also those around them. Traditionally, cholinesterase inhibitors have been the first-line medications used in treating Alzheimer s disease. There are currently fom approved cholinesterase inhibitors tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine. Each of these medications has a unique pharmacokinetic profile and mechanism of action. Researchers in the past 5-10 years have accumulated much data on the use of cholinesterase inhibitors. The use of cholinesterase inhibitors may preserve activities of daily living, slow progression of memory loss, and improve behavioral and cognitive symptoms associated with Alzheimer s and other related dementias. There is also some evidence to suggest that the efficacy in some cases may last more than a few years. In addition, there is some evidence that the use of cholinesterase inhibitors may be associated with reduction of caretaker stress. The use of cholinesterase inhibitor, however, does not drastically improve... 

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