NCIt definition : The hydrochloride salt of a piperidine derivative with neurocognitive-enhancing activity.
Donepezil reversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterase, thereby blocking the hydrolysis
of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and, consequently, increasing its activity.
This agent may improve neurocognitive function in Alzheimer's disease, reduce sedation
associated with opioid treatment of cancer pain, and improve neurocognitive function
in patients who have received radiation therapy for primary brain tumors or brain
metastases.;
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: A drug that is used to treat Alzheimer disease and is being studied in
the treatment of side effects caused by radiation therapy to the brain. It is a type
of cholinesterase inhibitor.;