Alzheimer's Disease and Aricept

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses Alzheimer's, a disease of the brain, which makes the sufferer forget how to accomplish basic functions. The paper relates that, although there is not yet a specific cure for the disease, donepezil HCL, brand name Aricept, is said to help slow down the progression of the symptoms of the disease. The paper reveals that there are side effects, although the manufacturers claim they are mild and temporary. The paper notes the the long-term cost of the drug and the inconclusive research associated with it. The paper discusses, however, how companies were allowed to sponsor conferences where their post-marketing and preliminary studies were discussed and they recruited doctors to speak to the news media about Alzheimer's and Aricept.

From the Paper:

"Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive form of pre-senile dementia, which is similar to senile dementia, except that it usually starts in the 40s or 50s, and with initial symptoms of impaired memory, then impaired thought and speech and, finally, complete helplessness (Lexico Publishing Group LLC 2006). It is a disease in the brain, which makes the sufferer forget how to use a key, walk, talk or eat (Liebman 2002). Recent statistics showed that approximately a third of all people older than 85 have Alzheimer's or another type of dementia. Around 1,000 are diagnosed with it each day in the US and records revealed that the number has been increasing."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Delagarza, Vincent W. Pharmacologic Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. American Family Physician, 2003
• Ebony. Important News for African Americans in the Battle Against Alzheimer's Disease. Johnson Publishing, 2005
• FDA Consumer. Second Alzheimer's Drug Ok'd. Food and Drug Administration: US Government Printing Office, 1997
• Klotter, Jule. Marketing Aricept for Alzheimer's Disease. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients: The Townsend Letter Group, 2002
• Liebman, Bonnie. Tangled Memories. Nutrition Action Healthletter: Center for Science in the Public Interest, 2002

More papers on Alzheimer's Disease and Aricept:

• Term Paper # 138579 : "Alzheimer's and Aging"
• Research Paper # 88126 : "Heart Disease and Stroke"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: