Efficacy of Donepezil to Enhance Cognitive and Functional Performance in Healthy, Rested Soldiers
Abstract
We evaluated the cognitive enhancement effects of a single dose (5 mg) of donepezil in healthy, rested Soldiers using a randomized, placebo-controlled, within-subjects, double-blind experimental design. The independent variable was drug (donepezil 5 mg, placebo) and abstract reasoning ability was included as a moderator variable. The primary outcomes were cognitive ability (attention, visual information processing, memory), marksmanship performance, and flight performance on a subset of aviators. Participants were 23 male, U.S. Army active-duty Soldiers. Eight participants were rated aviators and completed three simulated flights. Out of 9 tasks (including 3 simulated flights), only one significant difference between drug conditions was found. The effect was seen on one of the simulated flights, which were only completed by rated aviators, approximately 36 percent of participants who completed the study (n = 8). Further research, particularly that focused on the role cognitive workload and intrinsic motivation may play, is required prior to recommendations regarding donepezil and its enhancement properties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 20, 2024
- Accession Number
- AD1214367
Entities
People
- Amanda Kelley
- Isaiah Persson
- Ryan Mackie
- Samantha Wolf
Organizations
- United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab