Memory Medications for Alzheimer Dementia Disease

Currently in January 2017 there are still just four main medications to help slow the progression of memory loss, cognitive impairment and reducesymptoms, at least or a time. No matter what you may read or hear, there is no cure at this time for Alzheimer’s disease. We have improved testing through imaging, while the person is alive and family members can, if they choose to, test if they are likely to acquire the disease. We have bio-markers which can show amyloid and Tao build ups in the brain which point to future disease. With research, we should get better at slowing, stopping and hopefully ending this scrooge, if not a full blown cure.

Two Types of Medications approved by the FDA

By working on some of the chemicals intricate in the messaging between brain cells these medications can minimize symptoms such as inability to remember, reason clearly and confusion for a period of time. One type are “Cholinesterase Inhibitors” – which go by the names of: Aricept, Razadyne and Exelon. The other type is a “Memantine” – known as Namenda.

Alzheimer’s disease progresses as brain cells die off systematically from one region of the brain to the next. With fewer brain cells, the connections between cells are affected and then the symptoms appear as each brain area is attacked. It is common to be prescribed both types together, i.e. Aricept and Namenda and some physicians recommend Vitamin E also.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

The generic name for Aricept is Donepezil; Exelon is Rivastigmine and Razadyne is Galantamine. All three are usually prescribed for people experiencing symptoms affecting their thinking, judgement, memory, language and overall cognitive skills in the beginning (early) to middle (moderate) phases. These drugs help to thwart the breaking down of acetylcholine which is the chemical that messages between cells so that the intra-cell communication is less affected.  This chemical is needed for learning and memory. By helping to keep the chemical level high, the cells can better communicate between themselves. This set of medications typically can put off the progression of deterioration for about half a year to a full year, for about 50% of those taking the drugs. The person may have some stomach and bowel side effects but in general these medications are easy to be on. Aricept is the only one accepted to treat all stages of the AD.

Memantine

This category of medication, sold as Namenda is prescribed to treat the moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer’s disease. It is meant to expand recall, attention and the ability to do uncomplicated duties. It can be used alone but is often prescribed with the other medications. This medication controls activity of glutamate, which is a different type of chemical messenger also having to do with memory and learning. It can temporarily defer deterioration of symptoms. Like most medications, there can be some side effects such as confusion, headaches, dizziness or constipation.

Memory medications for Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer’s Dementia, like all prescriptions should be overseen by a physician, preferably a Neurologist to monitor the situation and be aware of other medications or OTC supplements you may be taking. Also a good idea to check with your pharmacist. If you are uneasy, get a second medical opinion. If Alzheimer’s disease runs in your family or you are at a higher risk for this or other Dementia diseases, you may want to be screened in your 40s, 50s and 60s to gauge your risk factor and have a baseline of information for later neurological testing. The disease symptoms occur many years after the initial assault on the brain cells.

Future Treatments

The cure and better treatments are now in the future rather than our present. Clinical trials are the ways scientists and pharmaceutical companies can test new medications. Trials usually need both people already with the disease and those people who are still healthy. There are trials going on all over the country and world. You can check with your Neurologist or with the Alzheimer’s Association.

Memory Medications for Alzheimer Dementia Disease

Currently in January 2017 there are still just four main medications to help slow the progression of memory loss, cognitive impairment and lessen symptoms, at least or a time. No matter what you may read or hear, there is no cure at this time for Alzheimer’s disease. We have improved testing through imaging, while the person is alive and family members can, if they choose to, test if they are likely to acquire the disease. We have bio-markers which can show amyloid and Tao build ups in the brain which point to future disease. With research, we should get better at slowing, stopping and hopefully ending this scrooge, if not a full blown cure. Meanwhile, we must manage memory loss as best as we can. Hire help, attend Memory Care day programs and even consider placement in a Memory Care senior residence.