There are several Alzheimer’s disease medications that are used to slow the decline of memory, language and thinking abilities. A study published in October issue of Journal of the American Geriatrics Society by the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) sought to answer several questions regarding the duration of therapy, whether there is a point when treatment should be discontinued because of a lack of benefit and how doctors use these medications.

• Dr. Paula Rochon, MD, MPH, Senior Scientist at ICES, scientist and staff geriatrician and Assistant Director of the Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit at Baycrest Hospital, Professor, Division of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Toronto and senior author of this ICES study.