Dementia is a condition of mental decline that causes progressive memory impairment and problems with learning, judgment, communication, and quality of life. Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive brain disorder, is the most common form of dementia, accounting for about 60% to 80% of cases. With Alzheimer’s disease, there is a decline in mental function and personality changes, which may include agitation, depression, and hallucinations.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease and no proven treatment to slow its progression, there are a number of medicines available that may help improve the mental function of people with Alzheimer's disease. If these drugs are given early enough in the course of the disease, the drugs may enable people to carry out their daily activities and independent living for a longer period of time and may prolong the time that patients can be managed at home. There are also medicines available to help manage some of the most troubling symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, including depression and behavioral problems such as agitation and aggression.

Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, planning and medical/social management can help ease the burden on both patients and family members. Exercise, good nutrition, activities, and social interaction are important. A calm, structured environment also may help the person with Alzheimer's disease to continue functioning as long as possible.

How Is Alzheimer's Disease Treated?

Your doctor will determine the best treatment for the Alzheimer’s patient based on various factors, including:

The patient’s age, overall health, and medical history
Extent of the disease
The patient’s tolerance for specific medicines, procedures, and therapies
Expectations for the course of the disease
The patient and his or her caregiver’s opinion or preference

What Drugs Are Used to Treat Alzheimer's Disease?

Aricept. Aricept, a cholinesterase inhibitor, is the most widely used drug for Alzheimer's disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors stop the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical in the brain used for memory and other mental functions. These types of medications help increase the levels of acetylcholine. In Alzheimer’s disease, there is a deficiency in acetlycholine in some areas of the brain, which accounts for some of the symptoms of the disease. Aricept works by slowing down the breakdown of acetylcholine. Aricept is the only treatment approved by the FDA for all stages of Alzheimer’s disease: mild, moderate, and severe. Aricept doesn't cure Alzheimer's, but studies have shown that in some patients it can improve mental function, which includes effects on memory and daily living. Side effects are usually mild and include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, and weight loss.
Exelon and Razadyne (formerly Reminyl). These newer drugs also work by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine. They are most effective when given in the earlier stages of Alzheimer's disease. They also have side effects similar to Aricept. In April 2005, Reminyl’s label (now marketed as Razadyne) was changed to include information about the deaths of 13 elderly patients who were taking the drug during a study. The deaths were due to various causes, including heart attack and stroke.
Namenda. Namenda is prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease. Namenda works by a different mechanism than other Alzheimer's treatments; it is thought to play a protective role in the brain by regulating a chemical called glutamate. Glutamate plays a role in learning and memory by acting as a kind of "gatekeeper" of some of the brain's other chemicals -- allowing certain amounts of these other chemicals (such as calcium, which is required for information storage) to enter the brain's nerve cells. Brain cells in people with Alzheimer’s disease fire off too much glutamate. Namenda helps regulate glutamate activity. That, in turn, can improve the brain's ability to process information and retrieve memories. Namenda is the first drug to be approved for this stage of the disease; other Alzheimer's drugs are indicated for mild-to-moderate symptoms. Namenda may have increased benefit when used with Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne, or Cognex. Side effects of Namenda include tiredness, dizziness, confusion, and headache.
Cognex. Cognex, a cholinesterase inhibitor, also works by slowing the breakdown of acetylcholine. Side effects of the drug include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, skin rash, and indigestion. In addition, Cognex may cause liver damage, so your doctor will need to perform tests regularly to monitor liver function and make sure this isn't happening.