Aricept for Alzheimer's

The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can be frightening. The Alzheimer's Association defines the disease as progressive and fatal, and the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Although there is no cure, treatments are available to improve the symptoms. Aricept is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Aricept can decrease the pace of progression of the disease.

Slows Disease Progression

Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger important for learning and memory. As acetylcholine breaks down and levels of this chemical decrease, memory begins to fail. The Alzheimer's Society states that Aricept works by "reducing the breakdown of acetylcholine and thus increasing the amount of the chemical in the brain." On average, about half of the patients using Aricept will see a delay in worsening of symptoms for 6 to 12 months.

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Improves Cognition

Cognition or thought processes, including memory, language, judgment, planning and the ability to pay attention, decline as a result of Alzheimer's disease. According to Johns Hopkins Hospital, Aricept boosts cognition in about two thirds of patients with the disease. A study published by The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation concluded that "Compared to the placebo group, those taking Aricept showed improvement in memory, language, attention, and recognizing one's name."

Slows Functional Decline

With a stable cognitive state, the patient can remain socially and physically active. Use of Aricept can therefore slow functional decline, including the ability to bathe, dress and feed one's self, of the dementia patient. A "Preservation of Function" study published in "Neurology" found that Aricept reduced the risk of functional decline after one year of use. Another study published in the same journal demonstrated that "Aricept maintained cognition, activities of daily living (ADLs), and global function for one year."

Extends Aging in Place

The National Aging in Place Council, defines aging in place as living in your own home adapted to suit your physical and medical conditions for as long as possible. Dr. Howard Feldman of the Clinic for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders stated that treating Alzheimer's disease with Aricept may slow the progression of symptoms to delay placement of the patient into a nursing home, keeping her in her own setting for a longer period of time. He also believes that Aricept is a positive treatment option to allow patients to remain independent for longer than without the medication.