Aricept Uses

Aricept uses primarily include the treatment of symptoms caused by Alzheimer's dementia. Use of this medicine can help improve memory, attention, reason, language, and the ability to perform simple daily tasks. Occasionally, Aricept uses may also include the treatment of memory problems following traumatic brain injury, behavioral symptoms with other types of dementia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

 

Aricept Uses: An Overview

Aricept® (donepezil hydrochloride) is a medication that has been licensed to treat the symptoms of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. It belongs to a group of medications known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and is approved to treat mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer's dementia.
 

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that affects a person's thought process, memory, and language with no known cause or cure. People with Alzheimer's generally show signs of memory loss, confusion, and the inability to perform simple daily tasks. It usually starts with mild memory problems and eventually leads to severe brain damage.
 
Aricept has been licensed for the treatment of mild, moderate, or even severe Alzheimer's disease. Aricept is not a cure for Alzheimer's, nor does it slow down the progression of disease. It can, however, help improve memory, attention, reason, language, and the ability to perform simple daily tasks.
 

How Does Aricept Work?

Aricept is part of a class of drugs known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. It works by stopping a specific enzyme (known as acetylcholinesterase) from breaking down acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a chemical that aids in many brain functions, including memory, attention, reason, and language.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;