Important Safety Information  |  Prescribing Information  |  Healthcare Professionals Text size: A | A | A

Once-A-Day Aricept® (donepezil HCl)

Studies showed ARICEPT
slows the progression
of Alzheimer's symptoms.
It improves cognition and
slows the decline of
overall function.

On ARICEPT: What to Expect
What to Expect with ARICEPT

Through research, we are learning more about how Alzheimer's affects the brain. We do not yet know how to prevent or cure it, but we do know how to treat its symptoms.

What You May See
ARICEPT may not work the same for each person:
  • Symptoms may improve
  • Symptoms may not change
  • Symptoms may progress more slowly than without ARICEPT

Alzheimer's is an illness that gets worse over time. With Alzheimer's, no change or slower decline can also mean that ARICEPT is working.

It may take several weeks or longer to start seeing the benefits of ARICEPT. Some people may experience an improvement in symptoms for several months, and then begin to see a decline. This is normal — it likely means that ARICEPT is working but the disease continues to progress.

If you are unsure if ARICEPT is working, don't stop taking it without talking to the doctor first. One study showed that when treatment was stopped, it led to a loss of benefits.

Everyday Activities

Slowing the symptoms of Alzheimer's may mean still being able to dress, make phone calls, or bathe without help awhile longer. Think of the difference that could make for you or your loved one.

In one study, doctors looked at people with Alzheimer's who took ARICEPT or sugar pills for up to 1 year. The doctors compared how people in the 2 groups could do daily tasks. Here is what the study showed: People who took ARICEPT 10 mg once a day could keep doing everyday things longer than those who took sugar pills.

daily task

ARICEPT helped with daily tasks, which may include:
  • Using the phone
  • Handling mail
  • Doing household chores
  • Getting dressed
  • Eating meals
  • Managing money without help
ARICEPT Can Help Delay Nursing Home Placement

ARICEPT may have helped some people live at home nearly 2 years longer. In this study, doctors looked at people with Alzheimer's who took ARICEPT. One group took it for at least 9 to 12 months. Another group took it for less than 6 months.

home placement

This study showed that on average, people who took ARICEPT longer lived at home nearly 2 years longer than people who took ARICEPT for less time. With studies like this, results may be caused by multiple factors. ARICEPT is one possible factor.

ARICEPT Can Help with Behavior in Mild and Moderate Alzheimer's

One study showed that when ARICEPT treatment was stopped, some caregivers experienced stress from an increase in their loved one's behavioral problems, like anxiety and irritability. Don't forget, ARICEPT can only help your loved one with Alzheimer's-related behavioral problems if they keep taking it.

Mild to moderate Alzheimer's
In studies, researchers found that, on average, when compared to 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

ARICEPT Can Help with Behavior Problems in Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's

Some caregivers may experience problems with their loved one's behavior, caused by Alzheimer's. One study of mild to moderate patients showed that ARICEPT improved patient behavior compared to a placebo. Caregivers with a loved one on ARICEPT experienced less distress dealing with those behaviors.

Find out how ARICEPT is thought to work
Watch the Video