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Once-A-Day Aricept® (donepezil HCI)

What to Expect with ARICEPT

ARICEPT is the only treatment proven effective for all stages of Alzheimer's — mild, moderate, and severe. Studies showed ARICEPT slows the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms. It improves cognition and slows the decline of overall function.

As you may know, Alzheimer's progresses with time and there is no cure. The sooner you are diagnosed and start taking ARICEPT, the sooner it may be able to help slow the symptoms.

ARICEPT may not work the same for each person. When using ARICEPT to treat Alzheimer's:

  • Symptoms may improve
  • Symptoms may not change
  • Symptoms may worsen slower than without ARICEPT


These are all signs that ARICEPT may be working. If you are unsure if ARICEPT is working, don't stop taking it without talking to your doctor first. One study showed that when treatment was stopped, it led to a loss of benefits, some of which were not regained when treatment was restarted.
Why treat Alzheimer's?

Treatment may help make a daily difference for you or your loved one. Slowing the symptoms of Alzheimer's can help with many things. It may be able to keep your loved one more like themselves longer. Think of the difference that could make.

The chart below shows how successful Alzheimer's treatments may help symptoms.* One important thing to note is that people who are on successful treatment may have less severe symptoms than those who are not successfully treated.

Treatment Expectations vs Expected Decline in Alzheimer's

* Adapted from Geldmacher D.S., Frolich L., Doody R.S., et al. Realistic Expectations for Treatment Success in Alzheimer's Disease. The chart created for this study was purely hypothetical.
How ARICEPT has worked for others
Mild to moderate Alzheimer's

In studies, researchers found that, on average, when compared with those who took a sugar pill:
  • People who took ARICEPT did better on a test that measures how well a person can learn, remember, and figure things out (cognition)
  • ARICEPT slowed the loss of overall function, which may include effects on behavior and everyday tasks

Severe Alzheimer's

In a study that measures cognition, researchers found that, on average:
  • People who took ARICEPT did better on thinking tests than those who took a sugar pill

 

Learn about the side effects of ARICEPT

Is your loved one on ARICEPT?

Join a free program to receive:

A welcome kit to help your loved one get the most out of treatment
Phone calls from experienced nurses who offer caregiving support
Caregiver support materials

 

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