Noncognitive symptoms and long-term treatment expectations for Alzheimer disease.

Alzheimer disease (AD) is characterized by both cognitive and noncognitive symptoms that can lead to functional impairment, increased caregiver burden, and institutionalization. Pharmacologic therapies traditionally used to treat cognitive symptoms of AD may prevent and/or control many noncognitive symptoms as well. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) galantamine, rivastigmine, and donepezil have been shown to maintain or improve function for at least 1 year. They also have been shown to improve or delay the onset of neuropsychiatric and behavioral symptoms. These noncognitive benefits can impact greatly the lives of patients with AD as well as the persons who care for them.