Cholinesterase inhibitors

Abstract

Cholinesterase inhibitors are the most common medications used for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer disease. Data from published clinical trials have shown benefits for cognitive, behavioral, and functional outcomes. While the overall effect size identified in the trials is small, clinical response varies and individual patients may experience significant benefits. Cholinesterase inhibitors are generally well tolerated, but patients must be carefully monitored for adverse events. Given the difficulty of predicting which patients with Alzheimer disease are most likely to benefit, a trial of treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors should be considered in the absence of any contraindications.