Clinical inquiries. do patients at high risk of Alzheimer's disease benefit from early treatment?
Holt, J.; Stiltner, L.; Wallace, R.; Raetz, J.
Journal of Family Practice 58(6): 320-322
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1533-7294 PMID: 19508846 Document Number: 630368
Yes, but the extent of the benefit is unclear. Treating patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease yields statistically significant, though perhaps not clinically significant, improvement in cognition and global function. In a few cases, it may delay loss of function and need for long-term care. Treating patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)-the most likely precursor to Alzheimer's disease-with cholinesterase inhibitors seems to have an initial, but perhaps unsustained, benefit over no treatment. Withdrawing anticholinergic drugs from patients taking them promises to reduce symptoms of MCI, but is unlikely to reduce rates of Alzheimer's.