A patient with early Alzheimer's disease is started on tacrine (Cognex), an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.How will the nurse evaluate that the drug has been effective?

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Tacrine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which allows the accumulation of acetylcholine at the cholinergic synapses.Alzheimer's disease is characterized by a loss of cholinergic activity.Tacrine improves cholinergic functioning in mild to moderate dementia.The therapeutic outcome of tacrine therapy is improvement in cognitive skills such as word recall, naming objects, language, word finding, and improved ability to carry out tasks.Tacrine improves cognitive function but not affective states.Tacrine may only treat symptoms and not halt progression of the disease.Tacrine does not affect repetitive behaviors.

A Patient with Early Alzheimer's Disease Is Started on Tacrine