Dangerous weight loss linked to Alzheimer treatment drugs

New research has identified that cholinesterase inhibitor drugs, which are commonly used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, could result in harmful weight loss, according to a US study.

The study has suggested that weight loss is an under-recognised side effect of cholinesterase inhibitors, which could ultimately damage the patients’ gastrointestinal system. It has been suggested that this could also present a significant problem for patients with dementia, increasing their risk of succumbing to the disease.

Lead author of the study, Dr Meera Sheffrin, said: “This is very relevant to patient care because unintentional weight loss in older adults is associated with many adverse outcomes, including increased rates of institutionalisation and mortality, a decline in functional status, and poorer quality of life.”

The study, which has been published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, used previous research figures to evaluate 1,188 patients aged 65 years and over who have been diagnosed with dementia and prescribed cholinesterase inhibitors.

After a year of inhibitor usage, the study found that nearly a third of patients experienced significant weight loss over a twelve-month period, with one in every twenty-one individuals losing up to ten pounds or more. Although the evidence remains inconclusive, the study has cautioned physicians to be careful when prescribing medication to their patients, even though they are prescribed to treat cognitive function problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

James Pickett, head of research at Alzheimer's Society, commented: “With any treatment it’s important to weigh up the benefits compared to the side effects. Cholinesterase inhibitors are helpful to thousands of people with Alzheimer’s disease in managing their symptoms, such as anxiety and concentration, and can improve their ability to continue daily activities. Treatments for Alzheimer’s are extremely limited however, and we desperately need more effective drugs.

“Unexplained weight loss can be serious so it is important that this kind of research is done so that doctors can be vigilant regarding the potential causes. If someone is losing weight and does not know why, they should consult their doctor immediately. More research including a more representative group of people with dementia would be welcome to validate these findings.”