What condition is donepezil primarily used to treat?

Donepezil is primarily used to treat Alzheimer's disease, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. It is classified as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which means it works by increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain, a neurotransmitter that is typically reduced in individuals with Alzheimer's. By inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, donepezil helps improve cognitive function and delay the progression of symptoms in patients with this condition.

In contrast, the other conditions referenced in the options do not have donepezil as a treatment. Panic disorder is typically managed with specific anxiolytics or antidepressants, major depressive disorder is often treated with various forms of antidepressants, and bipolar disorder usually requires mood stabilizers or antipsychotic medications. Each of these disorders involves different pathophysiological processes than those seen in Alzheimer’s disease, thereby necessitating different pharmacological approaches.