Donepezil Impairs Memory in Healthy Older Subjects
Author Information
Author(s): Balsters Joshua H., O'Connell Redmond G., Martin Mary P., Galli Alessandra, Cassidy Sarah M., Kilcullen Sophia M., Delmonte Sonja, Brennan Sabina, Meaney Jim F., Fagan Andrew J., Bokde Arun L. W., Upton Neil, Lai Robert, Laruelle Marc, Lawlor Brian, Robertson Ian H.
Primary Institution: Trinity College Dublin
Hypothesis
Does donepezil have negative cognitive effects on healthy older individuals?
Conclusion
The study found that donepezil negatively impacts cognitive function in healthy older individuals.
Supporting Evidence
- Experiment 1 showed significant negative effects of donepezil on cognitive performance.
- EEG analyses revealed that donepezil increased Delta band power and decreased Alpha band power.
- Participants in their 50s showed negative effects, while those in their 70s had slight improvements.
Takeaway
Taking donepezil, a drug usually for Alzheimer's, can actually make healthy older people worse at remembering things.
Methodology
Two double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were conducted to assess the effects of donepezil on cognition and EEG in healthy older participants.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to funding from GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of donepezil.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and focused only on healthy older individuals, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Twenty healthy older participants aged 59 to 77, with a mean age of 67.5 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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