Aricept promising in stroke-induced dementia

Aricept (donepezil) improves cognitive function in patients diagnosedwith probable or possible vascular dementia, while patients given placebo saw no improvement, according to studies released at the Alzheimer's Association 8th International Conference held in Stockholm, Sweden, this month. Taking Aricept once a day may prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain, which is involved with memory and learning, presenters pointed out, so the drug may improve patient's cognitive abilities. Pfizer and Eisai, respectively the marketer and developer of Aricept, now plan to seek US approval for the indication of vascular dementia.