The Best Guide to Alzheimer Medications That Will Help You Choose Wisely
Alzheimer Medication Consumer Guide
Reviewed by:
Dr. Diana Rangaves, PharmDLast Reviewed On:
Feb 24, 22Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is treated using numerous different medications, some of which work on the central nervous system. The medications work differently and are divided into different categories based on the way that they work.
There are benefits to each of them, along with potential side effects. Alzheimer’s Disease Drugs provide relief of symptoms. It may take a bit of time to determine which ones will work for you.
All Alzheimer’s Disease drugs lose effectiveness over time. You will mostly likely take more than one of these as part of your treatment for AD.
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE MEDICATION PRICE COMPARISON
For your convenience, we have linked to all prescription drug prices (shown below) within our database so you can quickly compare and find the lowest prices on most Alzheimer’s Disease medications.
MISCELLANEOUS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AGENTS
Central nervous system agents affect the central nervous system. Doctors prescribe them for brain and spinal cord conditions. In the case of Alzheimer’s Disease, they can reduce the severity of symptoms and improve cognitive ability.
Medications Included in Miscellaneous Central Nervous System Agents:
- Namenda
- Hydergine
- Memantine
- Namenda-XR
- Ergoloid mesylates
VITAMINS AS MEDICATIONS
ANTIRHEUMATICS MEDICATIONS
Antirheumatics include drugs that most often treat rheumatoid arthritis due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Doctors often prescribe Etanercept to AD patients with the hopes of reducing inflammation in the brain.
The Antirheumatic medication doctors prescribe for Alzheimer’s Disease is Etanercept.
TNF-ALFA (ALPHA) INHIBITORS MEDICATIONS
TNF-alfa (alpha) inhibitors (TNF-alpha) are suppressing the body’s natural response to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF). White blood cells produce TNF, which is a protein found in early inflammatory events.
TNF-alfa inhibitors treat a wide range of inflammatory conditions. Doctors also prescribe is selectively for Alzheimer’s Disease.
The TNF-alpha medication doctors prescribe for Alzheimer’s Disease is Etanercept.
CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORS MEDICATIONS
Motor neurons release acetylcholine to activate muscles, for example. Acetylcholine also plays a role in attention, memory, and learning.
Cholinesterase inhibitors block an enzyme called cholinesterase. Cholinesterase breaks down acetylcholine. This increases acetylcholine levels in the space between nerve endings.
People with Alzheimer’s disease have reduced levels of acetylcholine in their brain. Cholinesterase can have a positive effect on cognition.
Cholinesterase inhibitors can cause side effects. Side effects include vasodilation, constriction of the pupils in the eyes, sweating, increased saliva and tears, slow heart rate, mucus secretion in the respiratory tract, and airway constriction.
Cholinesterase inhibitors medications included in these are:
- Exelon
- Aricept
- Reminyl
- Namzaric
- Razadyne
- Donepezil
- Aricept-ODT
- Galantamine
- Rivastigmine
- Razadyne-ER
- Donepezil / Memantine
Doctors will try different medications until they find one works for you. Over time, you may take more than one of these medications at a time. You will also switch medications as they prove to be ineffective.
None of these Alzheimer’s Disease drugs are a cure. Though, they can stall the progression of AD and improve cognitive function. Both of these improves your quality of life.
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