These medications are cholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne), and memantine (Namenda), These medications can help treat, but cannot cure any symptoms associated with dementia. Some doctors like to prescribe both types of medications together, and some doctors also prescribe high doses of vitamin E for the cognitive changes associated with Alzheimer's Disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors are used in the early to moderate stages of Alzheimer's and dementia because the prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine. This keeps communication among nerve cells going by keeping acetylcholine levels high. Cholinesterase inhibitors can also delay worsening of symptoms for 6-12 months in about 50% of the patients who take them. Cholinesterase inhibitors are generally well tolerated by the older population. The side effects, if they do occur, include vomiting, loss of appetite, and increased frequency of bowel movements. Memantine (Namenda) is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer's Disease. Donezepil (Aricept) is the only cholinesterase inhibitor approved to treat all stages of
These medications are cholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne), and memantine (Namenda), These medications can help treat, but cannot cure any symptoms associated with dementia. Some doctors like to prescribe both types of medications together, and some doctors also prescribe high doses of vitamin E for the cognitive changes associated with Alzheimer's Disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors are used in the early to moderate stages of Alzheimer's and dementia because the prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine. This keeps communication among nerve cells going by keeping acetylcholine levels high. Cholinesterase inhibitors can also delay worsening of symptoms for 6-12 months in about 50% of the patients who take them. Cholinesterase inhibitors are generally well tolerated by the older population. The side effects, if they do occur, include vomiting, loss of appetite, and increased frequency of bowel movements. Memantine (Namenda) is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer's Disease. Donezepil (Aricept) is the only cholinesterase inhibitor approved to treat all stages of