The use of cholinesterase inhibitors alters the natural course of
Alzheimer’s disease, according a study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Researchers compared data from 135 patients with probable Alzheimer’s disease who had taken cholinesterase inhibitors to 135 people who had the disease, but were never exposed to the drug.

By measuring a one-year change in cognitive and functional performance, they found that patients who had received the inhibitor showed less decline in mental status, and were significantly more capable of performing everyday tasks.

Results of this study echoed results of clinical trials, (see
earlier Alzheimers Week story) noting that Alzheimer’s patients taking cholinesterase inhibitors "decreased the risk of nursing home admission."

Although mortality rates were unaffected, the authors, writing in the
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, maintained that the cholinesterase inhibitor allowed patients to proceed with a relatively normal daily routine for a longer period of time.

"This observational study showed that there was an initial cognitive and functional benefit from the use of (cholinesterase inhibitor) in Alzheimer’s disease, which waned as the disease progressed," the researchers concluded.

"However, the results suggest that there is a long term beneficial effect of the use of (the drug) as indicated by the delay in admission to nursing homes," they added.

Other sources: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry