Long-Term Effects of Second-Generation Cholinesterase Inhibitors on Clinical Outcomes and Costs of Alzheimer???s Disease

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease, which is a common disorder among the elderly, not only has devastating health consequences, but also poses a substantial economic burden. Three second-generation cholinesterase inhibitors —donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine — represent the best available treatment for patients with mild-to-moderate stages of the disease. While these drugs have been effective in short-term clinical trials, it is necessary to understand the outcomes over the longer term in order to assess the appropriateness of these treatments.