BACKGROUND We performed a meta-analysis of cholinesterase inhibitors for patients with Lewy body disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, Parkinson's disease dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies. METHODS The meta-analysis included only randomized controlled trials of cholinesterase inhibitors for Lewy body disorders. RESULTS Seventeen studies (n = 1798) were assessed. Cholinesterase inhib...

Dementia associated with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common types of dementia. Patients with AD often have cholinergic deficits in association with the disease. The cholinesterase inhibitors donepezil hydrochloride, galantamine hydrobromide, and rivastigmine tartrate are the current mainstays of symptomatic treatment for patients with AD. In clinical trials for all thre...

BACKGROUND Cholinesterase inhibitors are used to treat the symptoms of dementia and can theoretically cause bradycardia. Previous studies suggest that patients taking these medications have an increased risk of undergoing pacemaker insertion. Since these drugs have a marginal impact on patient outcomes, it might be preferable to change drug treatment rather than implant a pacemaker. This popula...

BACKGROUND Cholinesterase inhibitors are commonly prescribed to treat dementia, but their adverse effect profile has received little attention. These drugs can provoke symptomatic bradycardia and syncope, which may lead to permanent pacemaker insertion. Drug-induced syncope may also precipitate fall-related injuries, including hip fracture. METHODS In a population-based cohort study, we inves...