Use of cholinesterase inhibitors for treatment of Alzheimer disease.

The four cholinesterase inhibitors now available for treatment of Alzheimer disease (AD) may be most beneficial, especially in the long run, if started early in the course of the disease. This paper reviews the efficacy, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, side effects, dosage, and precautions for the use of these agents, which may produce modest improvements in cognition, behavior, and the ability to perform activities of daily living.