An older client with mild dementia of the Alzheimer's type is started on donepezil (Aricept). The client's daughter asks the nurse how long it will take for her mother to be cured. Which response by the nurse is correct?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Donepezil is a medication that improves memory and cognitive function in individuals with mild to moderate dementia, but it does not cure the underlying disease process. Therefore, option D is the correct response. Option A is incorrect because the neurochemical effects of the medication occur within hours or days, not weeks. Option B is incorrect because donepezil does not provide a complete resolution of symptoms, only an improvement in function. Option C is incorrect because there is no cure for dementia, and the effectiveness of donepezil should be assessed over several months, not weeks.

An Older Client with Mild Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type