Effects of Donepezil HCL on Task-Activated fMRI Brain Activation in Healthy Older Adults at Genetic Risk for Alzheimer's Disease

Effects of Donepezil HCL on Task-Activated fMRI Brain Activation in Healthy Older Adults at Genetic Risk for Alzheimer's Disease

This study examines the sensitivity of functional MRI to detect brain changes caused by donepezil HCL (a cholinesterase inhibitor) in healthy older adults at genetic risk for Alzheimer's Disease.

This 24-week study will examine the sensitivity of functional MRI to detect brain changes caused by donepezil HCL (a cholinesterase inhibitor) in healthy older adults at genetic risk for Alzheimer's Disease. Participants with a family history of Alzheimer's Disease will be eligible for this study. Participants without a family history of AD will also be enrolled to serve as a control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Normal general cognitive function
• High Risk Group Only: Family history (1st degree relative) of AD
• Low Risk Group Only: No family history (1st or 2nd degree relative) of AD
• Visual and auditory acuity adequate for neuropsychological testing

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current or past history of
• neurological illnesses/conditions
• head trauma with significant loss of consciousness
• medical illnesses/conditions that may affect brain function
• severe psychiatric disorder
• substance abuse
• unstable or severe cardiovascular disease or asthmatic condition
• history of stroke or transient ischemic attack