Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by buildups of toxic protein within the brain. These buildups, called plaques, cause nerve cell death and ultimately lead to dementia. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder that leads to memory loss, motor and sensory defects and changes in personality and behavior. Although there is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease, a number of drugs have been developed to slow the progression of the symptoms of the disease and increase the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients.
Exelon
Exelon, whose generic name is revastigmine, is a drug used to treat mild to moderate cases of Alzheimer's disease. Exelon is classified as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Acetylcholine is a chemical in the brain, called a neurotransmitter, that helps nerve cells signal to one another within the brain; it is particularly important in memory and learning functions. Acetylcholine is present at much lower levels in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Aceylcholinesterase is a protein that functions to decrease the levels of acetylcholine available to signal between cells. Exelon prevents the function of acetylcholinesterase and therefore increases the amount of acetylcholine present in the brain.
Exelon has a number of moderate side effects. According to the Alzheimer Society, the most common side effects of Exelon are nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Patients taking Exelon may also suffer from heartburn, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and dizziness.
Aricept
Aricept, known in generic as donepezil, is a therapeutic drug designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer's and can be prescribed to treat mild, moderate and severe forms of the disease. Like Exelon, Aricept is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, so it works by increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain.
According to the Aricept website, the most common side effects of taking Aricept are nausea, fatigue, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps and bruising. The website also warns that patients with a history of stomach ulcers may be at risk for more serious conditions, such as bleeding in the stomach. Aricept may also have drug interactions that can affect its safety, so concerns about Aricept should be discussed with a physician before starting its use.
Namenda
In the United States, memantine is a generic name for the brand-name drug Namenda, which is an anti-Alzheimer's medication that is used for patients with moderate to severe forms of Alzheimer's disease. Namenda belongs to a class of drugs called NMDA receptor antagonists. NMDA receptors are proteins found on the surface of nerve cells that detect the presence of glutamate, a type of neurotransmitter. Too much glutamate binding to the NMDA receptor leads to an increase in nerve cell death, which contributes to the progression of Alzheimer's. Namenda works by preventing the NMDA receptor from binding to glutamate, and therefore decreases glutamate signaling to prevent cell death.
The Namenda website outlines the possible side effects of taking the drug. The most common side effects are constipation, dizziness, headaches and temporary mental confusion.
