Final answer:
Donepezil (Aricept) is a medication that improves symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by blocking the enzyme acetylcholinesterase to increase the availability of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Donepezil, also known as Aricept, is a medication used to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). The mechanism of action of Donepezil involves blocking an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which is responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. By inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, more acetylcholine is available in the brain, leading to enhanced communication between neurons. This increase in neuronal communication can help restore some lost functions in early AD and slow the progression of symptoms.