Cholinesterase inhibitors all increase the amount of acetylcholine in the brain, but they work in different ways. Some increase the amount of acetylcholine by inhibiting an enzyme that breaks it down. Others work by inhibiting two enzymes. Another drug in this class prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine and stimulates the brain to make more. As Alzheimer's disease progresses, though, less acetylcholine is available, and these medications become less effective.

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