About five percent of American men and women between the 65 to 74 years of age have Alzheimer's disease according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No present medication can cure Alzheimer's disease. Nevertheless, there are four drugs that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, that can stem the progress of cognitive symptoms associated with Alzheimer's and are widely used.
Donepezil
Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that can be used to improve cognition at the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, explains the Alzheimer's Association. Cholinesterase inhibitors are a class of pharmaceuticals that slow Alzheimer's progressive destruction of acetylcholine, a chemical vital in nerve impulse transmission, explains the American Health Assistance Foundation. Cognition noticeably improves several weeks after the onset of donepezil treatment. The medication is available in 5 mg to 10 mg doses, and is typically administered at bedtime, according to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation.
Galantamine
Galantamine is a cholinesterase inhibitor that also prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine and also stimulates the release of more acetylcholine via nicotine receptors, explains the American Health Assistance Foundation. It has proven to be effective in alleviating cognitive symptoms during early to moderate Alzheimer's disease, notes the American Health Assistance Foundation. Galantamine is available in 4 mg, 8 mg, and 12 mg doses. It is typically taken twice a day during meals to minimize side effects, explains the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation. Treatment typically starts with the 4 mg dose, but the dosage may be increased gradually every four weeks if required. However, the total daily dose should not exceed 24 mg.
Rivastigmine
Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor that effectively improves cognition during early to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Rivastigmine is available in 1.5 mg, 3 mg, 4.5 mg, and 6 mg doses. Rivastigmine treatment typically begins with the 1.5 mg dose taken twice daily during meals. The dose may be increased after one to two weeks of beginning the treatment if necessary.
Memantine
Memantine was the first FDA-approved Alzheimer's medication designed for moderate to advanced Alzheimer's. Memantine shields the brain from excessive exposure to glutamate, a chemical that can damage brain cells when present in large quantities, notes the American Health Assistance Foundation. Glutamate damages cells by allowing excessive amounts of calcium to flow into it, thus hastening cellular degeneration and death. Memantine is available in 5 mg and 10 mg doses. Memantine treatment begins with 5 mg doses taken once daily. The total daily dosage may be gradually increased to 20 mg, divided into two 10 mg doses, in the morning and in the evening. Memantine may be taken independently from meals, according to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation.
