What condition is Aricept primarily used to treat?

Aricept, also known by its generic name donepezil, is primarily prescribed for the treatment of dementia, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease. It is classified as a cholinesterase inhibitor, which works by increasing levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter associated with memory and learning functions. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease often experience a decline in acetylcholine levels, leading to cognitive deficits, memory loss, and other related symptoms. By enhancing acetylcholine availability, Aricept can help improve or stabilize cognitive function in some individuals with this type of dementia.

This aligns with its approved use, as the other conditions listed—heartburn, anxiety, and hypertension—are not treated with Aricept. Heartburn typically requires acid-reducing medications, anxiety may be managed through various antidepressants or anxiolytics, and hypertension is commonly treated with antihypertensive medications. Therefore, the specific function of Aricept in targeting dementia makes this answer accurate and relevant to the medication's intended use.