Question Title: My mom's problems with memory loss

Dr. AJ (Archives 2/8/99) has already given a description of Alzheimer's Disease so I will basically focus this time on Aricept. Aricept (Donepezil) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) two years ago to help treat mild to moderate symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Let me explain how this drug works.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry "messages" in the brain. Acetylcholine is a key neurotransmitter that is involved in cognitive functioning and is deficient in AD. Aricept works by slowing the breakdown of acetylcholine. It neither stops or reverses the progression of AD. It can help, however, by slowing, reducing and/or reversing the mental and behavioral signs associated with AD.

Occasional side effects of Aricept include diarrhea and nausea. This drug can also cause irregular heart beat, especially in patients with heart diseases. Fainting spells have also been reported in some cases. I would like to emphasize that Aricept only temporarily halts or reverses cognitive losses from AD, and do not prevent AD from continuing to destroy the nerve cells that normally produce acetylcholine.

To know more about other drugs available, I would like to refer you to:

ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION
1-800-272-3900/(312)335-8700

ADEAR
1-800-438-4380
http://www.alzheimers.org/adear

The Henry Ford Behavioral Services can also provide you with the services needed for your mother. We have a Memory Clinic dedicated for this purpose. You could call (248)661-6100 for further information.

This information is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your mother's physician for diagnostic and treatment options.

Keywords: Memory Loss/Alzheimer's Disease/Aricept