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Main > Specialty Areas > Gerontology and Aging >
Conventional Treatments
There are a number of treatments available that can help improve the intellectual functioning of people with Alzheimer's. If Alzheimer's is diagnosed early, medications and other care may improve the patient's daily functioning and quality of life, as well as potentially slow disease progression. These medicines will also enable people to carry out their daily activities for a longer period of time and may prolong the time that patients can be managed at home.
Medications
Numerous medications are intended to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's, by helping to slow memory loss, control behavior problems, or improve sleep. It is important to work with physicians who have considerable knowledge and experience in using these medications. Medications commonly recommended for people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's include: tacrine (Cognex), donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), or galantamine (Reminyl). The only drug for moderate and severe stages of Alzheimers is Memantine (Namenda)
Treatment for Mild to Moderate AD
The medications used to help delay or prevent symptoms from becoming worse for a limited time and may help control some behavioral symptoms are : Reminyl (galantamine), Exelon (rivastigmine), Aricept (donepezil), and Cognex (tacrine). Four of these medications are called cholinesterase inhibitors. These drugs are prescribed for the treatment of mild to moderate AD.
Treatment for Moderate to Severe AD
A fifth approved medication used to delay progression of some of the symptoms of moderate to severe AD known as Namenda (memantine), is an N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist is prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe AD. The medication may allow patients to maintain certain daily functions a little longer.
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| Random Useful Tip: |
Epinephrine shot If you are known to have a severe anaphylactic reaction, carry an epinephrine (adrenaline) shot with you at all times. Pay attention to expiration date and replace it regularly: upon expiration, it loses its effectiveness. |
| Random Drug Info: |
Acyclovir Acyclovir is a medication that is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, lips and genitals, chicken pox and shingles. It comes in the form of ointments, tablets, capsules or liquids. It relieves pain and itchiness and promotes healing; however, it does not cure the condition. Possible (but not common) side effects include headaches, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. Severe side effects, such as severe rash or itching, blood in the urine, stomach pain or fever are even less common, but require prompt medical attention. |
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