The Benefits of Continued Use vs. Discontinuation of Acetylcholinesterase Therapy in Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Disease
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic progressive disease for which there is no cure. Pharmacotherapy used in treatment of the disease does not modifry the disease but instead provides symptomatic relief. These drugs are known to be effective in early stages of the disease but they are not without side effects. Drugs are often continued into moderate and severe stages of the disease. This literature review found that 5 studies indicated there was no significant change in MMSE scores in subjects who continued and discontinued acetylcholinesterase therapy in moderate and severe AD. The review of the literature found contradictory evidence on whether there was a difference in side effects and quality of life based off of treatment. The amount of contradictory evidence suggests it is worthwhile to consider discontinuing pharmacotherapy on a case by case basis in late disease
The Benefits of Continued Use vs. Discontinuation of Acetylcholinesterase Therapy in Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic progressive disease for which there is no cure. Pharmacotherapy used in treatment of the disease does not modifry the disease but instead provides symptomatic relief. These drugs are known to be effective in early stages of the disease but they are not without side effects. Drugs are often continued into moderate and severe stages of the disease. This literature review found that 5 studies indicated there was no significant change in MMSE scores in subjects who continued and discontinued acetylcholinesterase therapy in moderate and severe AD. The review of the literature found contradictory evidence on whether there was a difference in side effects and quality of life based off of treatment. The amount of contradictory evidence suggests it is worthwhile to consider discontinuing pharmacotherapy on a case by case basis in late disease