rivastigmine (Parkinson’s disease)

An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor medication (brand name Exelon) that prevents the action of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase from metabolizing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that is key to cognitive function. This drug is approved in the United States for treating the dementia of Alzheimer’s disease. Doctors sometimes prescribe it to treat dementia in Parkinson’s disease as well, and there are randomized controlled studies that support its usefulness for dementia in Parkinson’s disease, including its safety in not worsening motor symptoms. Rivastigmine is the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor of first choice for most Parkinson’s experts. Not all people with dementia who take rivastigmine experience improved cognitive function, and so far there is no way to assess who is likely to benefit. side effects are uncommon, but when they occur they can include nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and sleep disturbances.