The mechanism of action of donepezil (Aricept) on improving brain cognition and memory function

Donepezil is a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor mainly used to treat patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). Its core mechanism of action is to inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and reduce the decomposition of acetylcholine (ACh), thereby increasing the concentration of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter in the brain and is involved in the regulation of memory, learning and cognitive functions. Therefore, donepezil can improve patients' cognitive and memory functions by increasing acetylcholine levels.

In the brain, donepezil promotes neural activity in key cognitive areas such as the hippocampus and cortex by enhancing signaling by cholinergic neurons. These brain areas are important centers for memory formation, information processing and learning. By improving acetylcholine-mediated nerve conduction, donepezil can alleviate cognitive decline and improve impairments in attention, executive function, verbal and spatial memory, thereby delaying cognitive decline to a certain extent.

In addition, donepezil may also exert neuroprotective effects through indirect mechanisms. Studies have shown that increasing acetylcholine levels can reduce neuroinflammatory reactions, improve neuronal synaptic plasticity, and have a certain regulatory effect on the pathological changes of β-amyloid (Aβ) and Tau proteins. Although these effects are not yet completely clear, clinical observations show that long-term use of donepezil can delay the deterioration of patients' cognitive function and improve their daily living abilities and quality of life.

Overall, donepezil improves nerve conduction and cognitive function by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity and increasing brain acetylcholine levels. Its effect is not only reflected in the short-term improvement of memory and learning ability, but may also play a positive role in neuronal protection and delaying cognitive decline in long-term use. In clinical application, reasonable dosage and continuous medication are the keys to achieve optimal efficacy and safety.

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