CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORS: A LITERATURE REVIEW OF MEDICATION EFFICACY AND SAFETY FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
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Date
2021-05-15
Authors
Wicklund, Ashley
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Abstract
Background: With a steady increase of seniors in Canada’s overall population, geriatric-associated
illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) will continue to rise. AD is a progressive neurodegenerative
disorder that causes plaque build-up in the brain and subsequent cerebral atrophy. Currently, there are
no treatments marketed to cure the disease, but rather to provide symptomatic relief. Cholinesterase
inhibitors have been approved by the US FDA for mild, moderate, and severe AD. Previous studies have
investigated the efficacy and safety profile of these medications.
Methods: This literature review assessed existing meta-analyses using the PubMed database from 2015-
2020 using search terms ‘cholinesterase inhibitors effectiveness’ and ‘Alzheimer’s’. Outcomes included
adverse events associated and change in cognitive function.
Results: Five articles met the criteria for the study. All studies concluded there was at least mild or slight
improvement on cognitive function with the use of the cholinesterase inhibitors and risks of adverse
events were somewhat increased with their use but were likely mild.
Conclusion: Given the mild improvement in cognitive functioning coupled with an overall increase in
adverse events when compared to placebo, this risk-benefit relationship demonstrates mild evidence in
their utility in Alzheimer’s Disease. However, due to the heterogenicity of the available literature,
further high quality studies would be ideal to further explore their efficacy in Major Neurocognitive
Disorder (NCD) due to Alzheimer’s Disease.
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Keywords
CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORS, MEDICATION EFFICACY, ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE, MEDICATION EFFICACY AND SAFETY