Which option is a cholinesterase inhibitor?

Which option is a cholinesterase inhibitor?

• A. Memantine
• B. Quetiapine
• C. Donepezil
• D. Gabapentin

Answer: (C)

Cholinesterase inhibitors raise brain acetylcholine by blocking the enzyme that breaks it down, strengthening cholinergic signaling important for memory and learning. Donepezil is a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that crosses into the brain and is commonly used to help manage cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The other drugs act through different mechanisms: memantine modulates glutamate signaling at NMDA receptors, quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic, and gabapentin affects calcium channels with uses in neuropathic pain and seizures. Therefore, donepezil is the cholinesterase inhibitor.

Cholinesterase inhibitors raise brain acetylcholine by blocking the enzyme that breaks it down, strengthening cholinergic signaling important for memory and learning. Donepezil is a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that crosses into the brain and is commonly used to help manage cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The other drugs act through different mechanisms: memantine modulates glutamate signaling at NMDA receptors, quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic, and gabapentin affects calcium channels with uses in neuropathic pain and seizures. Therefore, donepezil is the cholinesterase inhibitor.