Benefits of Cholinesterase Inhibitors in Preventive Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.6242318106

• Palavras-chave: Alzheimer, inibidores da colinesterase, donepezil, rivastigmina, galantamina, fisostigmina, tratamento preventivo, função cognitiva, declínio cognitivo.

• Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, cholinesterase inhibitors, donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, physostigmine, preventive treatment, cognitive function, cognitive decline.

• Abstract: This article reviews the existing literature on the benefits of cholinesterase inhibitors in the preventive treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and debilitating neurodegenerative condition that affects a large proportion of the elderly population. Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, and physostigmine, have been widely prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of the disease. However, recent studies have explored the potential of these medications as a preventive approach to slow down or even halt the progression of Alzheimer's in individuals at risk. This review highlights the promising results from these studies, which have demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive function and a deceleration of cognitive decline in patients treated with cholinesterase inhibitors. Adverse effects were generally mild and transient. However, further research is needed to confirm and expand upon these findings, including long-term studies to assess the long-term impact of these medications on the course of Alzheimer's disease.