What happens if acetylcholinesterase is inhibited?

When acetylcholinesterase is inhibited, it is unable to break down acetylcholine in the cell. The resultant higher concentration of acetylcholine can become toxic to the cell. Under healthy conditions, this higher acetylcholine concentration can cause prolonged muscle contractions, which are undesirable. Under diseased conditions, such as with schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, or myasthenia gravis, the higher acetylcholine concentrations could potentially improve muscular ability and cognitive function.