How long does it take for Aricept to work?

Aricept (donepezil) may start working within 3 weeks of starting treatment to improve Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-cog) scores, but can take up to 4-6 weeks to be effective for some people. The ADAS-cog test measures performance on language and memory to help determine the extent of cognitive impairment.

How do I know if donepezil is working?

As Aricept begins to work, you may remember things easier and be able to concentrate better. It might also become easier to manage daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Aricept is not a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and only provides modest benefits.

Not everyone responds to Aricept the same way. Some patients might experience significant improvements in their symptoms, while others might only see mild benefits or no improvement at all. If you haven’t noticed an improvement in your symptoms after taking Aricept for 4-6 weeks, let your doctor know. They might be able to raise your dose to see if that helps, or recommend a different treatment option.