Update on Cognitive Enhancers Among the Older Adult Population: A Clinical Review

Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to identify key classes of medications that are used for the treatment of older adults with neurocognitive disorders. Recent Findings Clinical factors play a critical role in the prescribing of these medication classes for the treatment of dementia. The variation in prescribing trends is determined by the presence of medical and psychiatric comorbidities commonly occurring in older adults and is based on the consideration of potential interactions between pharmacotherapies for the comorbidities and for the dementia. Six medication classes currently exist to address the neurocognitive aspect of dementia, with varying pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. We review these six classes in this report and provide a provision of clinical insights regarding the use of these agents. Summary While literature exists on the safety and efficacy of individual medication options for the treatment of dementia in the older adult population, further research is needed to provide clearer guidance regarding the specific use of these agents in clinical practice.