A 77-year-old man is brought to the physician by his daughter because he has become progressively forgetful. His daughter mentions that his symptoms have progressively worsened for the past one year. A month ago, the patient became lost while driving in the neighborhood where he has lived most of his adult life. On mental status examination, he is oriented to person, place, and time. Mental examination shows significant deficits in short-term memory. After discussion, an oral cholinesterase inhibitor is prescribed. Which of the following is the most likely effect of the drug prescribed for this patient?

Question

A 77-year-old man is brought to the physician by his daughter because he has become progressively forgetful. His daughter mentions that his symptoms have progressively worsened for the past one year. A month ago, the patient became lost while driving in the neighborhood where he has lived most of his adult life. On mental status examination, he is oriented to person, place, and time. Mental examination shows significant deficits in short-term memory. After discussion, an oral cholinesterase inhibitor is prescribed.  Which of the following is the most likely effect of the drug prescribed for this patient?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Cholinesterase inhibitors (eg, donepezil, galantamine) may provide modest symptomatic improvement of cognitive symptoms and temporarily improve functioning in patients with Alzheimer disease.  However, these medications do not alter the inevitable disease progression.

A 77-Year-Old Man Is Brought to the Physician by His