Aricept Medication Appears to Improve Visual Memory

Past Studies

Past Studies show that memory problems following traumatic brain injury are well recognized and can be difficult to treat. Persistent memory difficulties can limit individuals from leading functional, independent lifestyles. Historically, treatment options available for individuals with memory impairments centered on re-learning and using assistive devices or procedures to overcome impairments that could not be modified. However, recently new medications for memory disorders have renewed hope for individuals with traumatic brain injury. In particular, the medication Aricept appears to be effective in treating individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and has shown promise in individuals with traumatic brain injury. Aricept is a medication that improves mental function by increasing the amount of a certain chemical in the brain. Further research is needed to determine how effective Aricept is for treating memory problems associated with traumatic brain injury.

This Study

This study included seven individuals with persistent memory problems from traumatic brain injury. The participants entered this study at least one and one-half years after injury dates (some started the study as many as five years after their injury date). During the first treatment phase, the participants received 10-mg. of Aricept for six month. During the second treatment phase, the participants received a lower dose of 5-mg. The researchers used standardized tests to evaluate memory and thought processing. The test results from the two treatment phases were compared. The researchers found that the 10-mg. dose of Aricept improved the individuals’ visual memory (ability to recall what they saw). Improvements were not seen in any other memory function or with a lower dose of Aricept. Side effects of the medication increased with the larger dose of Aricept. In fact, two participants had to drop out of the study because the medication side effects were too severe. The results of this study agree with the former studies of Aricept use for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease. More research is needed to determine why Aricept only improved visual memory.

Who May Be Affected By These Findings

Individuals with traumatic brain injury, healthcare providers, researchers

Caveats

This study used an extremely small number of participants. A similar study using a larger amount of participants would produce results that are generalizable.

Bottom Line

The researchers found that the 10-mg. dose of Aricept improved the individuals’ visual memory (ability to recall what they saw). Improvements were not seen in any other memory function or with a lower dose of Aricept.

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