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Pharmacopsychiatry 2003; 36(6): 304-308
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-45118
Original Paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Short-term Effects of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor Treatment on EEG and Memory Performance in Alzheimer Patients: an Open, Controlled Trial

S. Brassen1 , G. Adler1
  • 1Day Clinic for the Elderly and Clinical Neurophysiology Service, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 27.8.2002 Revised: 6.11.2002

Accepted: 28.11.2002

Publication Date:
09 December 2003 (online)

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Introduction: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor treatment enhances cholinergic neurotransmission and may thus partially reverse EEG slowing and memory impairment in Alzheimer patients within short time. Methods: We studied the short-term effects of treatment with either rivastigmine or donepezil on EEG and memory performance in a group of 35 Alzheimer patients in an open, controlled design. Results: Under a 1- or 2-week acetylcholinesterase inhibitor treatment, a decrease of global theta power and an improvement in the ADAS memory score were observed. However, compared to the control condition, only the theta power decrease remained significant and can be definitely considered a medication effect. Discussion: EEG spectral analysis could be shown to rapidly reflect the cerebral cholinergic action of short-term acetylcholinesterase inhibitor treatment. Whether this action is related to the therapeutic efficacy of this type of drug must be determined in further longitudinal studies.

Key words

Alzheimer’s dementia - acetylcholine - acetylcholinesterase inhibitor - EEG - short-term Memory

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Prof. Dr. Georg Adler

Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit

J5, 68159 Mannheim

Phone: 0621-1703-792

Fax: 0621-23429

Email: adler@as200.zi-mannheim.de

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