hi sir/mam,donepezil is advised solely for alzheimer dementia(AD).with medical therapy,the progression of the disease/the underlying disease mechanism is not affected or to be frank only symptomatic treatment is available.main stay of treatment is as follows:
1)first and foremost is to educate the patient and his family/care givers regarding the symptoms of memory loss,confusion,mood swings,agitation/depression,visuospatial skills impairment etc.
2)patient must be encouraged to be compliant with medication,daily exercise,cardiorespiratory fitness maintenance.
3)also indulging in activities which they love the most and enjoy are recommended.
4)regarding diet,there is no confirmatory evidence,through some studies,the following recommendations are given:
a)elimination of simple carbohydrates from the diet, increased consumption of fruit, vegetables, and non-farmed fish, and adherence to a strict meal pattern with timed periods of fasting.
b)vitamin D,fish oil,methyl cobalamine are helpful.
c)CAPRYLIDENE(axona) is a prescribed medical food that helps in providing energy to brain in glucose deficient states.
d)adequate sleep and stress reduction techniques like yoga are also proved to be helpful in many of our patients.
to conclude,donepezil,though may not alter the progression of disease,but is very effective against symptoms and thus can improve the quality of life.though exhaustive,hope my explanation helps you in fighting alzheimer.any further queries,please let me know.its my please to address your concerns.thank you.take care.bye.