The transdermal formulation of rivastigmine improves caregiver burden and treatment adherence of patients with Alzheimer's disease under daily practice conditions

Background Rivastigmine is the only cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) available as transdermal patch. The patch was developed to improve gastrointestinal tolerability and treatment adherence to higher dosages as compared with oral medication. Preferences of patients and caregivers for the patch were reported; however, neither patient compliance nor caregiver burden has yet been measured under routine practice conditions.