What is the therapeutic goal of using cholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer's disease?

The primary therapeutic goal of using cholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer's disease is to improve cognitive function. These medications work by increasing the levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is important for memory and learning. In Alzheimer's disease, the level of acetylcholine is significantly reduced due to the degeneration of cholinergic neurons. By inhibiting the enzyme cholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine, these drugs help to preserve acetylcholine levels in the brain. This can lead to improvements in memory, attention, and overall cognitive abilities in patients with Alzheimer's, making it the main focus of treatment with these agents.

The other choices, while they may encompass aspects of patient care in Alzheimer's disease, do not represent the primary objective of cholinesterase inhibitors. For instance, enhancing physical mobility is not directly related to cognitive function, and although some patients may experience changes in aggression or sleep patterns, these are not the targeted effects of cholinesterase inhibitors. Thus, improving cognitive function remains the central aim of their use in managing Alzheimer's disease.