A Review of Exelon's Efficacy and Safety in Treating Parkinson's Disease 

 

Exelon (rivastigmine) is a well-established treatment for memory and thinking problems in Parkinson’s disease dementia. It often brings small improvements or slows decline, usually without making movement worse, and is available as a pill or a patch. Side effects are usually mild but should be reported to your doctor. Regular communication with your healthcare team will help make Exelon use as safe and beneficial as possible.

 

How Does Exelon Work?

  • In Parkinson’s disease dementia, brain cells that help with memory and thinking don’t work well.

 

  • Exelon increases the amount of a chemical in the brain (acetylcholine) that is important for memory by slowing down how fast it is broken down.

 

What Does the Research Show?

  • Around 20% of patients had clinically meaningful improvement in overall condition versus about 14% on placebo

 

  • Studies have shown clear but modest improvement
    • Benefits typically include better memory, attention, and ability to do everyday activities, but do not cure dementia or Parkinson’s disease itself

 

  • It may help some but not all symptoms, and effects are generally not dramatic.

    • For example, one major 24-week trial in PD dementia showed an average improvement of about 2 points on cognitive tests compared to a slight decline in those taking placebo.

       

  • Exelon does not worsen Parkinson’s movement symptoms for most people.

 

  • Fewer patients worsened on Exelon compared to placebo

 

  • Caregivers often notice if the medicine helps, and stopping it suddenly can lead to a noticeable decline in memory and daily functioning.

 

Are There Side Effects?

  • Some people experience side effects: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss are the most common, especially when starting or increasing the dose.

 

  • The skin patch seems to have fewer stomach side effects and is often easier for patients and caregivers.

 

  • Less commonly, people may feel dizzy, faint, or notice increased tremor. If side effects are troublesome, a doctor may lower the dose or switch how the medicine is taken.

 

Important Points for Seniors and Caregivers

  • Exelon cannot cure or stop the progression of Parkinson’s disease dementia, but it often makes thinking and memory a bit better or slows decline for several months or longer.

 

  • It should be started and supervised by a healthcare professional, and caregivers should help monitor for both side effects and signs of benefit. In clinical trials, initial improvements in memory and thinking were seen within about 4 to 6 weeks, once a therapeutic dose was reached. The full study duration showing benefits usually ranged up to 24 weeks (6 months), with some patients continuing beyond this with ongoing benefit.

 

  • Exelon treatment typically starts at a low dose and increases gradually over several weeks.

 

  • If you miss several doses or stop the medicine, talk to your doctor before starting again.