Dementia is defined by a combination of symptoms, which affect thought and social abilities. Among the most commonly known types of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which generally affects people as they age. Dementia is known by several components, which affect the activities of daily living in adults. These may include loss of memory such as forgetting people and names, or being unable to make rational decisions. While there are many medicines to treat dementia, there are not cures for the condition, the Mayo Clinic reports.
Donepezil
Donepezil is the generic name of the drug marketed in the United States as Aricept. It is a cholinesterase inhibitor, which is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. It works by boosting the chemical messengers---neurotransmitters---in the brain. The medication specifically aids the Alzheimer's suffer by improving her thought processes and ability to thing, the Mayo Clinic reports. Common serious side effects may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and appetite loss.
Rivastigmine
The drug generically named rivastigmine, marketed in the United States with the brand name Exelon also is a cholinesterase inhibitor. A doctor may prescribe it to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. It works much the same was as donepezil. Rivastigmine reduces the speed at which acetylcholine ,or ACh, breaks down in the brain. This helps the person to think better and more clearly. However, the Mayo Clinic points out that as the disease progresses, there is smaller amount of ACh to act upon, which means the medication will be less effective. The most common serious side effects of rivastigmine include the same types of problems associated with donepezil such as loss of appetite and weight, decreased strength, nausea and diarrhea.
Galantamine Hydrobromide
Galantamine hydrobromide, marketed in the United States with the brand names Razadyne, Razadyne IR and Razadyne ER, is another cholinesterase inhibitor most often prescribed in the treatment of Alzeimer's. It has the same function as rivastigmine and acts upon the ACh chemical in the brain of the person. He also may find this medication less effective as the disease worsens. Unlike rivastigmine, however, galantamine hydrobromide has no common serious side effects associated with it. It may induce such problems as diarrhea, appetite loss, nausea and tiredness, but these typically are associated with the beginning of treatment with the medicine. They should dissipate on their own in a few days, Drugs.com reports.
Memantine
The drug named generically memantine is sold in the United States as Namenda. It regulates glutamate which is a chemical messenger in the brain that is involved in all brain function. This includes the regulation of learning and memory. This medication generally is used for more severe cases of dementia. There are no common serious side effects of memantine, and few common non-serious side effects. The medication may make the person taking it constipated at the beginning of treatment. She also may get bodily pain, headaches and dizziness as temporary side effects that will vanish in a few days. If they do not, she should ask her physician about them.
