One of the more popular medications used for Alzheimer’s disease is called Aricept (generic name: donepezil). The drug has been in use in the United States since 1996 for the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease; it was also approved in 2006 for use in patients with severe dementia. In people who respond well to the drug, the progression of Alzheimer’s disease is delayed by six months to a year. Aricept is a cholinesterase inhibitor. This type of drug delays the breakdown of a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine, which aids in the communication between nerve cells. This neurotransmitter is very important … Continue reading →