Efficacy of Non-Acetylcholinesterase Therapies in Cognitive Decline

Cognitive decline in aging populations particularly among those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses an increasing public health challenge. For decades acetylcholinesterase inhibitors have remained the cornerstone of pharmacologic intervention in these groups. However growing concerns about their cardiovascular and respiratory adverse effects - especially in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities - necessitate the exploration of alternative therapies with safer profiles and potentially superior efficacy.This work presents the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at identifying and evaluating non-acetylcholinesterase treatments for cognitive decline in patients with MCI AD or in individuals aged 65 years and above. We conducted a rigorous literature search of PubMed and the Cochrane Library covering studies published between January 1 1990 and September 30 2024. Eligible studies included randomized clinical trials and longitudinal follow-ups that utilized standardized neurological assessments to measure cognitive outcomes.