The efficacy of adjuvant therapies in combination with cholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Date of Award

Spring 2020

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Kimberly Erikson

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that presents primarily in the elderly with short-term memory loss, cognitive decline and loss of functional ability. The mainstay of treatment includes first-line cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI) and the addition of memantine in moderate to severe disease. Despite initiation of first-line treatment, patients continue to decline and will eventually require rigorous medical care. Therefore, this review analyzes: in adult patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease [P], are adjuvant treatments in combination with cholinesterase inhibitors [I] more effective in the symptom management of cognitive and functional decline [O] when compared to cholinesterase inhibitors alone [C]?

Additional Files

Poster Presentation.pptx (1506 kB)
Capstone Poster

Poster Presentation Video.mp4 (12995 kB)
Presentation Video

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The efficacy of adjuvant therapies in combination with cholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that presents primarily in the elderly with short-term memory loss, cognitive decline and loss of functional ability. The mainstay of treatment includes first-line cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI) and the addition of memantine in moderate to severe disease. Despite initiation of first-line treatment, patients continue to decline and will eventually require rigorous medical care. Therefore, this review analyzes: in adult patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease [P], are adjuvant treatments in combination with cholinesterase inhibitors [I] more effective in the symptom management of cognitive and functional decline [O] when compared to cholinesterase inhibitors alone [C]?