What drugs are currently available to treat Alzheimer's disease?
No treatment can stop Alzheimer's disease. However, for some people in the early and middle stages of the disease, the drugs tacrine (Cognex), donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), or galantamine (Razadyne® (formerly known as Reminyl®)) may help prevent some symptoms from becoming worse for a limited time. Also, some medicines may help control behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression. Treating these symptoms often makes patients more comfortable and makes their care easier for caregivers.
The fifth approved medication, known as Namenda® (memantine), is an N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist. It is prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Studies have shown that the main effect of Namenda® is to delay progression of some of the symptoms of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. The medication may allow patients to maintain certain daily functions a little longer. For example, Namenda® may help a patient in the later stages of Alzheimer's disease maintain his or her ability to go to the bathroom independently for several more months, a benefit for both patients and caregivers.
