Effects of Rivastigmine on Patients with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3: A Case Series of Five Patients.

Background: Rivastigmine is an acetylcholine esterase inhibitor which is commonly used as therapy for dementia in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease (PD). Recently, a randomized controlled trial demonstrated a positive effect of rivastigmine on gait function in nondemented PD patients. Disturbed gait is a shared hallmark of PD and ataxias.