Three RCTs were included (n=3,574 patients). All scored 3 out of 5 points of the Jadad quality scale.
Cholinesterase inhibitors were associated with a significant reduction in the risk of progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease (15.4%) compared with placebo (20.4%), relative risk 0.75 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.87).
Cholinesterase inhibitors were associated with a significant increase in all-cause drop-outs (RR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.24 to 1.49; three RCTs), but there was no significant difference between cholinesterase inhibitors and placebo in serious adverse events (two RCTs) or death (three RCTs).
No significant heterogeneity was found for any outcome.