Exelon (rivastigmine) seems to provide behavioral improvements in nursing home residents as well as improving or temporarily maintaining their cognitive abilities. Results of a study published in the British Medical Journal (Vol. 318) indicate that Exelon (rivastigmine) maintains or improves the functional ability of patients with mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease. Exelon, a potent brain-selective acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitor, was studied in this 26-week placebo-controlled trial which included 725 participants in 45 centres.

The study is the second pivotal trail to be published demonstrating that Exelon improves the functional ability of patients, as seen by assessments in three main areas; activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing independently, traveling without getting lost, and doing chores and hobbies; cognitive functions, such as memory and concentration; and behavior.

The results of this study conclusively demonstrate that of the patients receiving Exelon (6-12mg/day), the mean PDS score improved compared to baseline and was significantly different from the mean score of the placebo group.

These findings show that despite the progressive nature of Alzheimer’s disease, many patients treated with Exelon were able to maintain or even improve the level of abilities they had when they started treatment. These patients were better able to perform ADLs, increasing their autonomy, and potentially helping to preserve or improve their quality of life.

2007 update: This drug is now available as a skin patch.