Donepezil for Constipation in Lewy Body Disease: A Twelve-Month Follow-Up

Abstract

Previously, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor Donepezil was used in a case study to address the symptoms of constipation, obstipation, and impaction in four patients with Lewy Body diseases. In patients with both Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Neurocognitive Disorder with Lewy Bodies (NCDLB), the use of Donepezil led to symptom reduction. After six months, the symptoms of the same patients were reviewed, with no loss of bowel motility nor emergence of new symptoms. After twelve months, another review of symptoms was conducted. The results indicate that Donepezil appears to be effective in reducing the symptoms of constipation, obstipation and impaction over an extended period of treatment.