Donepezil for Mild Cognitive Impairment?

Patients who exhibit mild impairment in one or more cognitive domains (especially memory), but who do not meet criteria for Alzheimer disease, are classified as . . .

Patients who exhibit mild impairment in one or more cognitive domains (especially memory), but who do not meet criteria for Alzheimer disease, are classified as having "mild cognitive impairment" (MCI). In this manufacturer-sponsored, randomized U.S. trial, researchers examined the effect of donepezil (Aricept) in patients with MCI. This drug currently is FDA-approved for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer disease, but not for MCI.

A total of 270 patients with MCI received either donepezil (≤10 mg daily) or placebo. After 24 weeks, no significant differences were noted between groups on either of the two primary outcome measures -- a standardized test of delayed recall, and a global assessment of function based on interviews with subjects. The resea…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD