Question

A 62 yr old woman has started taking donepezil for early stage alzheimer's disease. Her daughter expresses relief that "there is finally a pill to cure AD" What is the nurse's best response?

A. "She should expect reversal of symptoms within a few days."
B. "The dosage should be increased if no imporvement is noted"
C. "This drug may help to improve symptoms, but is is not intended as a cure"
D. "Yes, it has been a great help for many patients."

Answer 1

The nurse's best response is that the medication may help to improve symptoms but is not a cure for Alzheimer's. Donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor, can enhance communication between neurons and may slow the disease's progression.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response to the daughter of a 62-year-old woman who has started taking donepezil for early-stage Alzheimer's disease is, "This drug may help to improve symptoms, but it is not intended as a cure." Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor, which works by blocking the enzyme that degrades the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. By increasing the levels of acetylcholine, it can enhance communication between neurons, potentially improving symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. However, it is important to understand that Alzheimer's disease currently has no cure, and treatments aim to manage symptoms rather than reverse the condition.