Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (Parkinson’s disease)

A medication that prevents the enzyme acetylcholinesterase from metabolizing acetylcholine. This extends the length of time acetylcholine is active in the brain. Acetyl-cholinesterase inhibitors are prescribed primarily to slow the decline in cognitive function that occurs with Alzheimer’s disease. These medications seem to have a similar action in many people with Parkinson’s disease. But as is typical with treatment approaches for Parkinson’s disease, individual response varies widely. Not all people with Parkinson’s-related dementia experience improvement with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and there seems to be no pattern to help identify who will and who will not. Although one medication in this class is not effective, another may, so use of these drugs is usually worthwhile to try to improve cognitive function if deterioration occurs. Acetyl-cholinesterase inhibitor medications available in the United States include donepezil (Aricept), galantamine (Reminyl), rivastigmine (Exelon), and tacrine (Cognex).