Honolulu, Hawaii (April 4, 2003) - New data provide the first evidence that ARICEPT (donepezil HCl tablets) may have potential in treating two dementia-related illnesses beyond Alzheimer's disease (AD). Findings from two separate studies showed that treatment improved cognition in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and behavioral symptoms in patients with Parkinson's-related dementia. The data were presented for the first time at the American Academy of Neurology 55th Annual Meeting (AAN). ARICEPT is approved for the treatment of symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

"As the first placebo-controlled trial with an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor to improve cognitive symptoms in MCI, this study provides encouraging news for the millions of Americans with MCI," said Stephen Salloway, M.D., director of Neurology and The Memory Disorders Program, associate professor of Clinical Neurosciences at Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island. "The findings underscore the importance of early intervention to promote healthy aging and preserve independence in the elderly."

Experts estimate that dementia affects between four and five million Americans. MCI primarily affects memory, although other areas can be affected, such as language and attention, and is not associated with normal aging. MCI is often a warning sign of the start of AD and other dementias. In fact, over the course of a year, about 10-15 percent of those with MCI will develop AD.

A collaboration dedicated to advances in Alzheimer's therapy.

ARICEPT in MCI
In the first study presented at AAN, researchers found that ARICEPT treatment improved cognition and was well tolerated in MCI patients. These findings provide preliminary support that the initiation of ARICEPT may provide benefit in this patient population. The study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of ARICEPT in patients with MCI, who had a global Clinical Dementia Rating of 0
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4-Apr-2003

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