2. Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory
and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the
simplest tasks.
In most people with the disease — those with the late-
onset type symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Early-
onset Alzheimer’s occurs between a person’s 30s and mid-
60s and is very rare. Alzheimer’s disease is the most
common cause of dementia among older adults.
Alzheimer Disease
3. Alzheimer’s drugs might
be one strategy to help
slow or manage memory
loss, thinking and
reasoning problems, and
day-to-day function.
While Alzheimer’s drugs
don’t cure the disease,
they can improve quality
of life and help prolong
independence.
4. Types of drugs specifically to treat
symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
Cholinesterase inhibitors :-
One way Alzheimer’s disease harms the brain is by decreasing levels
of a chemical messenger (acetylcholine) that’s important for
alertness, memory, thought and judgment. Cholinesterase inhibitors
boost the amount of acetylcholine available to nerve cells by
preventing its breakdown in the brain.
Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Starting treatment at a low dose and working up to a higher dose
can help reduce side effects. Taking these medications with food
also might help minimize side effects
5.
6. Three cholinesterase inhibitors are commonly prescribed
1. Donepezil (Aricept) is approved to treat all stages of the
disease. It’s taken once a day as a pill.
2. Galantamine (Razadyne) is approved to treat mild to
moderate Alzheimer’s. It’s taken as a pill once a day or as an
extended-release capsule twice a day.
3. Rivastigmine (Exelon) is approved for mild to moderate
Alzheimer’s disease. It’s taken as a pill. A skin patch is available
that can also be used to treat severe Alzheimer’s disease.
7. Memantine (for later stages)
Memantine (Namenda) is approved by the FDA for treatment
of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. It works by
regulating the activity of glutamate, a messenger chemical
widely involved in brain functions — including learning and
memory. It’s taken as a pill or syrup. Common side effects
include dizziness, headache, confusion and agitation.
The FDA has also approved a combination of donepezil and
memantine (Namzaric), which is taken as a capsule.
Side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea and diarrhea.
