Which class of drugs is primarily used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease?

Cholinesterase inhibitors are the primary class of drugs used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. These medications work by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is important for memory and learning. In Alzheimer’s disease, the levels of acetylcholine are often reduced, contributing to cognitive decline. By preventing its breakdown, cholinesterase inhibitors help to enhance the levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which can lead to improved cognitive function or delay the progression of symptoms in some patients.

The other options listed do not directly target the underlying pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease. Antidepressants may be used to manage depression, which can occur in Alzheimer's patients but are not specific to treating the disease itself. Beta-blockers are primarily used to manage cardiovascular conditions and have no therapeutic effect on Alzheimer's. Antipsychotics may be prescribed for behavioral issues associated with dementia, but they do not treat the cognitive decline characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, cholinesterase inhibitors are the most appropriate and established treatment for managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.