Final answer:
Donepezil, also known as Aricept, is a medication used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease by enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission through its action as a cholinesterase inhibitor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Donepezil, sold under the brand name Aricept, is a medication used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease leads to a decrease in the activity of cholinergic neurons, which are neurons that use the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. To help manage this aspect of the disease, Donepezil acts as a cholinesterase inhibitor, blocking the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. This allows more acetylcholine to remain available in the synaptic cleft, enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission and potentially improving cognitive function and slowing the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms.
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, drugs like Donepezil have been shown to have a beneficial effect on some patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's, helping to improve their symptoms. For example, Rosa, who has mild Alzheimer's, has experienced improved symptoms while using a cholinesterase inhibitor as part of her treatment.