Alzheimer's Blogging:

Alzheimer’s Medications

Health professionals often divide the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease into “Cognitive” and “Behavioral and Psychiatric” categories.

Cognitive systems affect memory, language, judgment, planning, ability to pay attention
and other thought processes. Behavioral and psychiatric systems affect the way we feel and
act.

DONEPEZIL (ARICEPT)- approved to treat all stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Side effects:
nausea, vomit, loss of appetite and increased frequency of bowel movements.

RIVASTIGMINE (EXELON)- approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Side
effects: nausea, vomit, loss of appetite and increased frequency of bowel movements.

GALANTAMINE (RAZADYNE)- approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
Side effects: nausea, vomit, loss of appetite and increased frequency of bowel movements.

These drugs support communication among nerve cells by keeping acetylcholine levels
high. On average delay worsening of symptoms for 6 to 12 months for about half the people who take them.

MEMANTINE- approved to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. Side effects;
headaches, constipation, confusion, and dizziness. This drug works by regulating the
activity of glutamate, a different messenger chemical involved in learning and memory. It
temporarily delays worsening of symptoms for some people.

TACTINE (COGNEX)- was approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, but
now one of the least popular medications. Side effects; possible liver damage, nausea,
vomit, and diarrhea.

Remember life is an adventure and we need to take it, enjoy it, learn from it, and to take care of each other. That is what life is all about. Not what we can do for ourselves but what we can do
for others.

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/