Adherence to Cholinesterase Inhibitors in Alzheimer's Disease: A Review

Background/Aims: Treatment adherence is a major problem in numerous medical conditions, and is a particular challenge in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: This non-systematic review summarises the current literature on factors that affect adherence to cholinesterase inhibitors, the mainstay of AD treatment. Articles listed on PubMed and published during the last 10 years were included. Results: Intentional factors affecting adherence include patient, caregiver and prescriber beliefs about therapies and the disease itself. Unintentional factors include tolerability, physical limitations of the patient and caregiver burden. Interventions aiming to improve adherence include educational programmes and new drug delivery methods. Conclusion: Due to the high level of caregiver involvement in the care of patients with AD, strategies that address caregiver concerns may improve adherence.

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