Chinese garden with neural pathways representing Alzheimer's research

Donepezil for Alzheimer's: What Chinese Studies Reveal About Efficacy and Safety

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the latest insights on donepezil's effectiveness in treating Alzheimer's in Chinese patients, and how it compares to Western findings."

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing concern in China, affecting a significant portion of the aging population. With prevalence rates on the rise, understanding effective treatments is crucial. However, many patients are diagnosed in later stages, highlighting the need for early and effective interventions.

Donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI), is a commonly used medication for managing AD symptoms. It works by increasing the levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter vital for memory and cognitive function. While donepezil's effectiveness is well-established, its specific impact on Chinese patients requires careful examination.

This article delves into recent research focusing on donepezil's efficacy and safety in treating Alzheimer's disease among Chinese patients. We'll explore how donepezil compares to other treatments, factors influencing its response, and potential differences compared to Western populations.

How Effective is Donepezil for Chinese Patients?

Chinese garden with neural pathways representing Alzheimer's research

A comprehensive review of studies, including clinical trials and well-designed research, reveals that donepezil has demonstrated effectiveness and safety in Chinese AD patients. These studies suggest improvements in cognitive function and a potential impact on key AD biomarkers.

Cognitive Function: Donepezil has been shown to improve cognitive function, as measured by tests like the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-cog).
Daily Living Activities: Patients on donepezil exhibited improvements in their ability to perform daily tasks, indicating a better quality of life.
Global Function: Overall, donepezil contributes to better global function, reflecting a comprehensive improvement in patients' condition.

While donepezil demonstrates positive effects, it's important to consider factors that may influence its effectiveness. Genetic factors, such as apolipoprotein E (APOE) and cytochrome P450 2D6 polymorphisms, can play a role in how patients respond to donepezil treatment. Furthermore, variations in these genetic markers between Chinese and Western populations may contribute to differences in treatment outcomes.

What Does This Mean for Alzheimer's Treatment?

Donepezil stands as a valuable treatment option for Chinese patients with Alzheimer's disease, offering improvements in cognitive function, daily activities, and overall well-being. However, the importance of personalized treatment approaches cannot be overstated. Genetic factors and individual patient characteristics can influence treatment outcomes, necessitating tailored strategies.

Further research is essential to fully understand the nuances of donepezil's impact on Chinese patients. Exploring the influence of genetic variations and comparing donepezil to other treatments will help refine treatment guidelines and optimize patient care.

Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding of donepezil's effects, combined with personalized approaches, holds the key to enhancing the lives of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease in China and worldwide.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2147/cia.s159920, Alternate LINK

Title: Clinical Efficacy And Safety Of Donepezil In The Treatment Of Alzheimer&Amp;Rsquo;S Disease In Chinese Patients

Subject: Geriatrics and Gerontology

Journal: Clinical Interventions in Aging

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Nan Zhang, Marc L Gordon

Published: 2018-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

How effective is donepezil in managing Alzheimer's symptoms in Chinese patients, particularly in terms of cognitive function and daily activities?

Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, or AChEI, used to manage symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Studies on Chinese patients with Alzheimer's show that donepezil can lead to improvements in cognitive functions, as measured by tests like the Mini-Mental State Examination, or MMSE, and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale, or ADAS-cog. Moreover, donepezil has shown to improve patients' ability to perform daily tasks and contribute to better global function. While the studies show that Donepezil may be effective in improving cognitive and daily function, the efficacy of the treatment is not guaranteed and may require additional approaches.

Are there genetic factors unique to Chinese patients, such as variations in apolipoprotein E (APOE), that impact their response to donepezil treatment for Alzheimer's disease?

Genetic factors, particularly apolipoprotein E, or APOE, and cytochrome P450 2D6 polymorphisms, can influence how Chinese patients respond to donepezil treatment. These genetic variations can differ between Chinese and Western populations, potentially contributing to variations in treatment outcomes. Additional personalized treatment approaches should be taken into account when treating a patient.

What are the key benefits of using donepezil for Chinese patients with Alzheimer's disease, and why is a personalized treatment approach important in maximizing its effectiveness?

For Chinese patients with Alzheimer's disease, donepezil can be a valuable treatment. It has demonstrated improvements in cognitive function, the ability to perform daily activities, and overall well-being. However, it's important to consider individual patient characteristics and genetic factors, such as APOE, which can influence treatment outcomes. Personalized treatment strategies are essential to maximize the benefits of donepezil and address any specific challenges patients may face.

What specific measures of improvement have been observed in studies of Chinese Alzheimer's patients treated with donepezil, and how do genetic factors play a role in these outcomes?

The clinical trials and well-designed research reviewed indicated improvements in cognitive function measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination, or MMSE, and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale, or ADAS-cog. Patients exhibited improvements in performing daily tasks, reflecting a better quality of life and an overall betterment in patients' condition. It's important to note that while donepezil shows promise, its effectiveness can be influenced by genetic factors, such as variations in APOE. Biomarkers can offer additional insight in determining effectiveness of Donepezil.

How does donepezil enhance cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients, and what role does acetylcholine play in this process?

Donepezil works by increasing levels of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is very important for memory and cognitive function. By inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, donepezil helps enhance nerve cell communication. The improved communication helps to alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, which include memory loss and impaired cognitive abilities. The enhancement of this neurotransmitter is particularly important since patients diagnosed with AD are found to have less Acetylcholine available.