J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2006 Jan;45(1):64-68.

The Effect of Donepezil on Language Functions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Jang WS
• Hong SD
• Shin SH

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Recent studies in autistic brain samples have shown diminished acetylcholine and nicotinic receptor activity. We hypothesized that acetylcholinergic enhancement may pharmacologically improve some autistic characteristics. Donepezil hydrochloride, a cholinesterase inhibitor, was studied in few studies which showed improvement in the expressive and receptive speech of autistic children. We therefore undertook an open label trial to evaluate this effect on speech function in Korean autistic children.
METHODS
Twenty-one patients (18 males, 3 females, average age 77.9+/-23.7 months), with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder enrolled in a 12-week open label trial of donepezil hydrochloride. Changes were evaluated by PLS (Preschool language scale). Testing was administered at baseline and at 12-week follow-up.
RESULTS
Test administered at baseline and at 12-week follow-up showed gains in both expressive and receptive speech functions.
CONCLUSION
Donepezil hydrochloride, a cholinesterase inhibitor, appears to improve expressive and receptive speech functions of autistic children.

Keyword

Autism; Autism spectrum disorder; Donepezil hydrochloride

MeSH Terms

Acetylcholine
Autistic Disorder*
Brain
Autism Spectrum Disorder*
Child*
Cholinesterases
Diagnosis
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Male
Receptors, Nicotinic
Acetylcholine
Cholinesterases
Receptors, Nicotinic