Pharmacological treatment of cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease

Clinical trials and independent reviews support the use of cholinesterase i nhibitors for treating the symptoms of patients with mild to moderate Alzhe imer's disease (AD). Before initiating cholinesterase inhibitor therapy, patients should be thor oughly assessed, and the diagnosis confirmed, preferably by a specialist. Compliance with cholinesterase inhibitor therapy should be monitored and th e response (in global, cognitive, functional and behavioural domains) reass essed after 2-3 months of treatment. Vitamin E may be protective against AD, and therapy with 1000 lU twice dail y may be considered. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of other antioxidant agen ts, anti-inflammatory agents, monoamine oxidase B inhibitors, folate/homocy steine or antihypertensive drugs in patients with AD, or hormone replacemen t therapy in affected women.