Abstract
This paper compares the two articles "Donepezil in Patients with Severe Alzheimer's Disease" by Winblad et al. and "A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study of Controlled Release Fluvoxamine for the Treatment of Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder" by H. Westenberg, D. Stein, H. Yang, D. Li and L. Barbato. It then contrasts these two papers with "The Placebo Effect in Neurological Disorders" by R. Fuentes-Fernandez, M. Schulzer and A.J. Stoessel. It focuses on the issue of the placebo effect and, more generally, on the question of biases and addressing them in the experimental method in three different research papers.

From the Paper
"In conclusion, although a comparison of Westenberg et al. (2004) with Winblad et al. (2006) appeared to yield a number of similarities in terms of research design, subject matter (neurological states) and the strategies employed to address issues of biases and the placebo effect, nonetheless one key difference - the role of the funding source in influencing the sample selection and the results - distinguished the two. On the other hand, in contrasting Westenberg et al (2004) with Fuentes-Fernandez et al. (2002) we have seen how the former is an experimental study while the latter is a literature review. Despite this fundamental dissimilarity, however, there are interesting points of convergence between both works that merits comparative analysis."

Tags:research, design, donepezil, anxiety, treatment

Abstract
This paper explains that conflicting reports have created an atmosphere of confusion as to the origin, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The paper outlines some of the most recent research in this field, including the comparison of the efficacy of some of the most widely prescribed medications. The paper provides clarification of possible pathologies that initiate the decline of AD and investigates the validity of purportedly effective preventive strategies. A cost/benefit analysis of treatment versus non-treatment and the actual cost of treatment and the effects of AD on both caretakers and family systems also are discussed.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Studies
Feldman, Gauthier, Hecker, Vellas, Emir, Mastey. Subbiah, and The Donepezil MSAD Study Investigators Group, 2003
Design and Participants
Analysis and Results
Santoro, Siveriero, Minicuci, Bellavista, Mishto, Olivieri, . . . and Franceschi, 2010
Design and Participants
Analysis and Results
Farlow, Alva, Meng & Olin, 2010
Design and Participants
Analysis and Results
Sevilla, Caballero, Alfonso & Gonzalez-Adalid, 2009
Design and Participants
Analysis and Results
Discussion

From the Paper
"In terms of drug effect evaluation, mean changes in the MMSE and ADAS-Cog scores from baseline to t12 and t36 were measured. Secondary measures were verified from the mean changes in ADL, IADL (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale), and NPI scores from baseline to t12 and t36. Analysis of the drug's effect on MMSE and ADAS-Cog measures was performed using the general linear model including baseline score as a covariate. These scores were evaluated to determine the effects of all the medications at both the middle and end-points of the study."

Tags:deceleration caretakers donepezil, statistical variability, marketing

Abstract
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."

Tags:brain, dementia, memory, side, effects

Abstract
This papr explains that the current drugs being used only treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The author points out that the new generation of drugs being tested hold promise for being able to slow or halt the onset of Alzheimer's disease in individuals with mild dementia. The paper describes these drugs.

From the Paper
"There are more than ... million Americans who currently suffer from the disorder known as Alzheimer's disease. The current generation of Alzheimer drugs were designed chiefly to treat symptoms of the disease but have little to no impact on slowing or stopping its progression. However, a new generation of drugs aimed at slowing and stopping the progression of the disease are in late phases of testing. The following drugs are in late phases of FDA testing to treat Alzheimer's disease and related disorders: ..."

Tags:illness, research, pharmaceuticals, statins, anti-inflammatory, amyloid-beta, blood-brain barrier, Alzhemed, Donepezil, cholesterol, MS, genetics, aging, Enoxaparin, Celebrex