According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative condition that affects a person's ability to think and remember, as well as the way he behaves. It is incurable, but medications are available to help treat it and slow its progression. Some are more effective for the early stages, while others are better once the disease has progressed into the moderate to severe stages. It should be noted that not every patient responds the same way to these drugs.
Donepezil
Known better by its brand name of Aricept, donepezil belongs to a class of drugs referred to as cholinesterase inhibitors. These drugs help improve the effectiveness of the brain chemical acetylcholine, which is responsible for memory, thinking, alertness and judgment. According to the Mayo Clinic, donepezil may be the most commonly prescribed drug for all stages of Alzheimer's disease, as it appears to produce the fewest side effects. The site also states that it may be effective in delaying the onset of a condition known as mild cognitive impairment, a condition which often precedes Alzheimer's disease.
Convenience also plays a factor in prescribing this medication, as it only needs to be taken once a day. Doctors typically begin dosing at 5 mg, and then depending on how well the patient tolerates it, will increase to the maximum dose of 10 mg after four to six weeks. Some of its most common side effects include nausea, headache, diarrhea and insomnia.
Rivastigmine
Rivastigmine, another cholinesterase inhibitor, appears to cause more gastrointestinal problems than other drugs in its class. Also known as Exelon, this drug is primarily prescribed for patients who suffer from mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. To help reduce side effects, doctors typically begin this medication at a low dose and gradually increase the dose, allowing the patient's body time to adjust. Aside from the oral form, an adhesive patch is also available which may also lessen the severity of gastrointestinal side effects.
Arthur Schoenstadt, M.D., of eMedTV.com states that some of the most common side effects include dizziness, headaches and tremors, which are in addition to the gastrointestinal side effects that include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite.
Memantine
According to the Mayo Clinic, memantine is the first drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. It belongs to a class of drugs referred to as NMDA receptor antagonists, which affect the chemical glutamate, a messenger in the brain responsible for all brain function including learning and memory. Memantine may slow the progression of Alzheimer's in its later stages.
While its most common side effect is dizziness, patients may also suffer from headaches, constipation and confusion.
Behavioral Medications
Alzheimer's disease can also cause behavioral changes, usually in the later stages of the disease. According to the Alzheimer's Association, these symptoms can include hostility, yelling, severe agitation, becoming delusional and suffering from hallucinations. These symptoms are often the most distressing to the caregivers and can be the most difficult to cope with. For irritability or low moods that cause depression, the doctor may prescribe an antidepressant. If the patient is suffering from hallucinations or delusions, he may prescribe an antipsychotic drug. If the patient suffers from anxiety, restlessness or disruptive behavior, the doctor may prescribe an anxiolytic.
