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Dementia is a general term to describe a decline in mental ability that is severe enough to interfere with day-to-day life. It can include problems with memory, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities. Alzheimer’s disease is a common type of dementia. It is the cause of cognitive decline in 60-80% of patients with dementia. Other forms of dementia include vascular, Lewy Body, frontotemporal, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s dementia. Some people have mixed dementia, i.e., dementia due to more than one cause.
The biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s dementia is increasing age. Roughly 80% of people with Alzheimer’s are age 75 or older. However, the disease can occur in those under the age of 65 – this is called early-onset Alzheimer’s. It is worth noting that Alzheimer’s is not an inevitable part of aging. For reasons that are not well understood, Alzheimer’s dementia is more common in women – almost two-thirds of patients with the disease are women. It is also more likely to affect African-Americans and Hispanics compared to Caucasians. It is projected that by the year 2050, there will be nearly 14 million Americans above the age of 65 living with Alzheimer’s dementia.
Alzheimer’s Symptoms
Alzheimer’s dementia is a progressive disease of the brain that gradually worsens over several years. It causes problems with thinking, memory, and behavior. The most common symptom of Alzheimer’s is an inability to remember new information because the disease affects the part of the brain responsible for learning. As it advances, Alzheimer’s can cause increasingly severe symptoms, including mood and behavior changes; disorientation and confusion; paranoia or unfounded suspicions on family, friends, and caregivers; memory loss; and difficulty swallowing, speaking, and walking.
There are other causes of memory loss besides Alzheimer’s. If someone is experiencing trouble with their memory, it does not necessarily mean they have Alzheimer’s dementia. It is best to see a doctor to determine the cause of the symptoms.
Medications for Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Research is ongoing, but at present, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. However, treatments are available to help maintain brain function, manage behavioral symptoms, and slow the progression of the disease. Because Alzheimer’s dementia is a complex disease, it is unlikely that a single drug or intervention can successfully treat it. The FDA has approved several medications for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. In general, the medications work best for those who are in the early or middle stages of the disease. However, none of the currently available medications for Alzheimer’s can stop the disease completely. Some of the medications used in Alzheimer’s patients are described below.
Cholinesterase inhibitors help control behavioral symptoms in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. These medicines prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical in the brain that is important for thinking and memory. The drugs in this class can become ineffective over time because as Alzheimer’s progresses, the brain produces less acetylcholine.
N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist or memantine is a medication used in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. It helps people with Alzheimer’s remain functional and independent in daily life for longer. The medicine is believed to work by regulating the levels of an important brain chemical called glutamate, which causes the death of brain cells when present in large amounts. NMDA receptor antagonists and cholinesterase inhibitors work differently and can be prescribed together.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Alzheimer’s Dementia
There are a variety of OTC brain boosters on the market that contain multiple substances and claim to help people with dementia and memory loss. However, most of these over-the-counter formulations lack solid scientific evidence to support their memory-enhancing abilities. Also, unlike drugs, these dietary supplements are not subject to FDA approval in the United States, and therefore, their safety or effectiveness is unconfirmed. Nonetheless, certain supplements like ginkgo biloba, ginseng, vitamins B6, B9, and B12, vitamin E, vitamins A and C, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids may lead to improved brain function, although further studies are needed.
The most common side effects of cholinesterase inhibitors include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, fatigue, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, and weight loss. Memantine (an NMDA receptor antagonist) can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, diarrhea, and constipation. Combination drugs containing a cholinesterase inhibitor and NMDA receptor antagonist may cause side effects like headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Common Questions
How can I reduce my risk of Alzheimer’s disease?
Leading a healthy lifestyle can help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This includes getting regular physical exercise, eating a Mediterranean diet (olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and moderate amounts of dairy and red wine). Also, getting enough sleep and performing brain-stimulating activities such as learning new things can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s.
How to recognize Alzheimer’s disease in a loved one?
Occasional memory slips are common in older individuals and are not a cause for panic. You should, however, be vigilant for early signs of Alzheimer’s in older relatives, such as frequent memory loss, trouble handling money, confusion about places, mood and personality changes, and taking longer than normal to accomplish daily tasks. If memory and thinking abilities are impacting a person’s ability to function, ask their doctor whether screening for Alzheimer’s and other related conditions may be appropriate.
Can I get a discount on Alzheimer’s dementia medications with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including cholinesterase inhibitors and NDMA receptor antagonists—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/how-alzheimers-disease-treated
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3311304/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/alzheimers-and-dementia/what-can-you-do-to-avoid-alzheimers-disease
Common Alzheimers and Dementia Health Medications
Alzheimers and Dementia
Get the latest information on common prescription and over-the-counter alzheimers and dementia drugs.
Dementia is a general term to describe a decline in mental ability that is severe enough to interfere with day-to-day life. It can include problems with memory, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities. Alzheimer’s disease is a common type of dementia. It is the cause of cognitive decline in 60-80% of patients with dementia. Other forms of dementia include vascular, Lewy Body, frontotemporal, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s dementia. Some people have mixed dementia, i.e., dementia due to more than one cause.
The biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s dementia is increasing age. Roughly 80% of people with Alzheimer’s are age 75 or older. However, the disease can occur in those under the age of 65 – this is called early-onset Alzheimer’s. It is worth noting that Alzheimer’s is not an inevitable part of aging. For reasons that are not well understood, Alzheimer’s dementia is more common in women – almost two-thirds of patients with the disease are women. It is also more likely to affect African-Americans and Hispanics compared to Caucasians. It is projected that by the year 2050, there will be nearly 14 million Americans above the age of 65 living with Alzheimer’s dementia.
Alzheimer’s Symptoms
Alzheimer’s dementia is a progressive disease of the brain that gradually worsens over several years. It causes problems with thinking, memory, and behavior. The most common symptom of Alzheimer’s is an inability to remember new information because the disease affects the part of the brain responsible for learning. As it advances, Alzheimer’s can cause increasingly severe symptoms, including mood and behavior changes; disorientation and confusion; paranoia or unfounded suspicions on family, friends, and caregivers; memory loss; and difficulty swallowing, speaking, and walking.
There are other causes of memory loss besides Alzheimer’s. If someone is experiencing trouble with their memory, it does not necessarily mean they have Alzheimer’s dementia. It is best to see a doctor to determine the cause of the symptoms.
Medications for Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Research is ongoing, but at present, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. However, treatments are available to help maintain brain function, manage behavioral symptoms, and slow the progression of the disease. Because Alzheimer’s dementia is a complex disease, it is unlikely that a single drug or intervention can successfully treat it. The FDA has approved several medications for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. In general, the medications work best for those who are in the early or middle stages of the disease. However, none of the currently available medications for Alzheimer’s can stop the disease completely. Some of the medications used in Alzheimer’s patients are described below.
Cholinesterase inhibitors help control behavioral symptoms in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. These medicines prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical in the brain that is important for thinking and memory. The drugs in this class can become ineffective over time because as Alzheimer’s progresses, the brain produces less acetylcholine.
N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist or memantine is a medication used in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. It helps people with Alzheimer’s remain functional and independent in daily life for longer. The medicine is believed to work by regulating the levels of an important brain chemical called glutamate, which causes the death of brain cells when present in large amounts. NMDA receptor antagonists and cholinesterase inhibitors work differently and can be prescribed together.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Alzheimer’s Dementia
There are a variety of OTC brain boosters on the market that contain multiple substances and claim to help people with dementia and memory loss. However, most of these over-the-counter formulations lack solid scientific evidence to support their memory-enhancing abilities. Also, unlike drugs, these dietary supplements are not subject to FDA approval in the United States, and therefore, their safety or effectiveness is unconfirmed. Nonetheless, certain supplements like ginkgo biloba, ginseng, vitamins B6, B9, and B12, vitamin E, vitamins A and C, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids may lead to improved brain function, although further studies are needed.
The most common side effects of cholinesterase inhibitors include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, fatigue, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, and weight loss. Memantine (an NMDA receptor antagonist) can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, diarrhea, and constipation. Combination drugs containing a cholinesterase inhibitor and NMDA receptor antagonist may cause side effects like headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Common Questions
How can I reduce my risk of Alzheimer’s disease?
Leading a healthy lifestyle can help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This includes getting regular physical exercise, eating a Mediterranean diet (olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and moderate amounts of dairy and red wine). Also, getting enough sleep and performing brain-stimulating activities such as learning new things can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s.
How to recognize Alzheimer’s disease in a loved one?
Occasional memory slips are common in older individuals and are not a cause for panic. You should, however, be vigilant for early signs of Alzheimer’s in older relatives, such as frequent memory loss, trouble handling money, confusion about places, mood and personality changes, and taking longer than normal to accomplish daily tasks. If memory and thinking abilities are impacting a person’s ability to function, ask their doctor whether screening for Alzheimer’s and other related conditions may be appropriate.
Can I get a discount on Alzheimer’s dementia medications with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including cholinesterase inhibitors and NDMA receptor antagonists—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/how-alzheimers-disease-treated
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3311304/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/alzheimers-and-dementia/what-can-you-do-to-avoid-alzheimers-disease
Common Alzheimers and Dementia Health Medications
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