Findings from the first prospective study to look at the benefits of ARICEPT (donepezil HCL tablets) in patients exclusively with early (or mild) Alzheimer's disease showed that ARICEPT helped benefit memory and thinking ability compared to those taking placebo. The findings were published in the December 2004 issue of Archives of Neurology.
Findings from a study published in Archives of Neurology show that patients with early or mild Alzheimer's disease who were treated with the medication ARICEPT experienced significant improvement in memory and thinking. Tulane neurologist and lead investigator of the study, Dr. Benjamin Seltzer, explains.
"Our study demonstrates that beginning therapy early in the disease can help benefit memory and thinking. This may help patients with activities in their daily lives."
Patients were evaluated over 24 weeks and showed significant improvements using an assessment tool that measures such things as memory, attention and reasoning.
Seltzer explains, "Many patients and their families delay seeing a physician about memory problems for several years. I encourage people to see their doctor at the earliest sign of memory loss so that they may be evaluated and treated appropriately."
ARICEPT is indicated for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It is well tolerated but not for everyone. People at risk for stomach ulcers or who take certain other medicines should tell their doctors because serious stomach problems, such as bleeding, may get worse. Some people experience fainting. Common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, not sleeping well, muscle cramps, feeling tired or not feeling hungry. In studies, these were usually mild and temporary.
For full ARICEPT prescribing information, please call (888) 999-9616 or for more information about www.aricept.com.
