ALZHEIMER'S BLOG:

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.

I hope this helps:
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/