Questions on the Prescription of Donepezil in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (PDF)

Essay from the year 2018 in the subject Medicine - Pharmacology, grade: 1, Egerton University, language: English, abstract: This paper aims at seeking consensus whether Donepezil should be prescribed in preference to other available drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Donepezil is the generic name for the drug known by the brand name as Aricept. This drug has been in use for therapeutic purposes since its approval by FDA in 1996 in which it is used to treat memory loss (dementia) in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

According to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease, it has been documented that this disease is characterized with a brain disorder referred to as dementia. This condition affects the memory; thus, causing difficulties in communicating, thinking and remembering. It is also known to cause noticeable changes in personality and mood. Therefore, Alzheimer's disease causes inability in performing daily activities owing to the slow destruction of the memory.

It is for this clinical condition that Donepezil is used in order to improve mental function. Some of the most principal mental functions that are improved by Donepezil include memory, speaking, thinking, communicating, attention, and interpersonal interactions. Despite the ability of Donepezil to improve brain functioning by treating dementia, it is worth noting that this drug does not cure Alzheimer's disease.