Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cell death within the brain, leading to dementia, behavioral changes and motor defects. Alzheimer's involves the accumulation of aggregates of toxic proteins, called amyloid plaques, and a breakdown for the structural support for brain cells, leading to cell death. Although Alzheimer's is an incurable disease, a number of drugs have been developed to slow the progression of the disease, which can delay the onset of severe symptoms.
Razadyne
Razadyne, also called galantamine, is an Alzheimer's medication developed by Cermer Multam. Razadyne belongs to a class of drugs called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, which increase the level of a chemical called acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a molecule that allows brain cells to signal to each other, and it is important in learning and memory. In the brain of Alzheimer's patients, there is too little acetylcholine, causing memory loss. Razadyne works by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, increasing the overall level of acetylcholine in the brain, and slowing the progression of Alzheimer's.
According to Drugs.com, Razadyne can cause fatigue, nausea and headache. It may also cause serious side effects including chest pain, coughing up blood, or allergic reactions.
Namenda
Namenda, also called memantine HCl, is an anti-Alzheimer's medication developed by Forest Pharmaceuticals. Namenda works by affecting the signalling of a chemical called glutamate. Like acetylcholine, glutamate is a molecule that is used to signal between nerve cells that plays a role in memory and learning. Often, glutamate signalling is abnormal in the brain of Alzheimer's patients, and Namenda works to restore normal glutamate signalling to help treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's.
Namenda has a number of possible side effects, including dizziness, headache, constipation and confusion. Namenda may be used alone or in combination with other anti-Alzheimer's medications to slow the progression of the disease.
Cognex
Cognex, also called tacrine, is a pharmaceutical developed by Cerner Multum which is used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Like Razadyne, Cognex is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which increases the levels of acetylcholine present within the brain. Milder side effects include nausea, weight loss, mood disturbances and drowsiness. More severe side effects of taking Cognex include hallucinations, seizures and liver damage.
