Aricept, which is claimed to be the #1 prescription drug against Alzheimer’s disease in the USA these days, belongs to the class of chemical substances, called cholinesterase inhibitors. It could be thrilling to note, that during World War II the representatives of this very group of chemicals were mainly developed for warfare purposes: such terrifying and deadly weapons as neuroparalytic gases sarin, soman, and VX also belong to the class of cholinesterase inhibitors.

Happily, nowadays the properties of cholinesterase inhibitors are used mainly for peaceful purposes; one of them is to help people conquer Alzheimer’s disease - one of the most devastating mental illnesses of elderly people.

Today there are three substances of cholinesterase inhibitors group, which are approved for medicinal use – donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine. However, it is only donepezil or Aricept as the brand medication, which is approved for the use in patients on all stages of Alzheimer’s disease (others are used only for mild to moderate conditions). Donepezil is said to be the most potent among other representatives of cholinesterase inhibitors.

Though scientists still dispute about the use of cholinesterase inhibitors for treating Alzheimer’s, mainly because of the fact that these medications work only for a limited amount of patients (from 10% to 50% according to different sources), and even if they do work the improvements achieved are pretty modest, doctors and health-care providers often choose cholinesterase inhibitors, including Aricept, for treating Alzheimer’s disease at early stages. While there is no medication, which could stop the progression of dementia, Aricept was shown to be able to slow down the deterioration of cognitive functions, such as memory and judgment.

By the way, combining Aricept with memantine, another anti-Alzheimer’s medication, may significantly increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

Aricept provides its therapeutic effect by influencing one of the neurotransmitters, called acetylcholine. This substance is important for normal functioning of brain cells responsible for memory, thinking, and reasoning. Studies have shown that people with Alzheimer’s have decreased levels of acetylcholine. Aricept can increase the amount of this neurotransmitter by suppressing some specific enzymes, which destroy acetylcholine.

In addition to preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, Aricept is able to make brain cells receptors more sensitive to this neurotransmitter, which also increases the therapeutic value of the medication.

Since Aricept does not stop Alzheimer’s, it is not always easy to see the improvements. Generally speaking, Aricept is able to delay the rapid progression of the disorder in some patients. One of the studies showed that people on Aricept could perform their daily activities, such as using phone, dressing, eating and doing household chores for 72% longer than those, who did not receive the medication.

However, in order to see the improvements or just slowing down the worsening of symptoms it may be necessary to take Aricept for a couple of months. Unfortunately, once the therapy is stopped, the improvements may disappear, and the condition will return to the state as if the medication has never been used.

Aricept comes in either 5mg or 10 mg pills of two forms: oral tablets (Aricept) and orally disintegrating tablets (Aricept ODT). The latter pills dissolve on the tongue, so they may be recommended to those people, who have difficulty with swallowing tablets.

Aricept should be used once daily, usually before bedtime, or in accordance with the recommendations of a doctor, who prescribed the pills. The medications can be taken with or without food. In case of sleep problems after taking Aricept in the evening, a patient may be switched to the morning regime of pills administration.

Aricept, as well as other cholinesterase inhibitors, are usually well tolerated by patients. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Sleep problems, feeling tired or muscle cramps may also occur. However, those side effects are mild, and usually disappear after 1-3 weeks after starting Aricept.

Finally, it is worthy to mention that Aricept is covered by most of the health insurance plans; besides, generic version of the medication is also available - so treating Alzheimer’s with this medication should not be a serious financial burden for patients and their families.