Effects of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors on Balance and Gait Functions and Orthostatic Hypotension in Elderly Patients With Alzheimer Disease.

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AchEI) therapy on balance, gait, and orthostatic hypotension (OH) in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods: A total of 102 elderly patients with AD have been recently diagnosed and were treated with AchEI and underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment at baseline and at the end of the sixth month.

Results: Timed Up and Go test and Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment values and the prevalence of OH were not different at the end of the sixth month versus baseline (P > .05). However, it was determined that changes in balance were better in the patients who showed cognitive improvement at the end of the sixth month (P < .05).

Conclusion: Curative effects of AchEIs, which are used in the treatment of AD, on cognitive performance are reflected also in balance functions. Moreover, it was observed that these drugs do not increase the prevalence of OH.