The medication available today for Alzheimer’s disease do not cure the disease or prevent its onset. Its goal is to:

  • Control symptoms
  • Prevent worsening
  • Temporarily improve the state of the person with the disease
  • Slow the progression of symptoms

Medication most often used to treat Alzheimer's Disease

Medication can temporarily slow and stabilize the degenerative process as well as temporarily improve the state of the person affected.

   Use Warnings Possible side effects

Ebixa® (memantine hydrochloride)

Symptomatic treatment of moderate to severe forms of Alzheimer's disease:

NMDA receptor antagonist

Amyloid deposits kill brain cells: amyloid increases the production of glutamate, which stimulates NMDA receptors

Memantine may also help the brain form new synapses

Slows amyloid accumulation
 None Generally well tolerated, fewer than 10 percent):

Incontinence

Constipation

Diarrhea

Insomnia

Vertigo

Headaches

AriceptTM (donepezil or E2020)

Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate forms of Alzheimer's disease:

Cholinesterase inhibitor

Increases acetylcholine in the brain

Improves symptoms

Stabilization, slowing down of the disease's progression
Aricept may cause bradycardia

Contra-indicated in the case of renal or hepatic insufficiency

May exaggerate muscle relaxation during anesthesia
Nausea

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Fatigue

Emaciation

Muscle cramps

Falling

Insomnia

ExelonTM (rivastigmine)

Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate forms of Alzheimer's disease

Cholinesterase inhibitor:

Increases acetylcholine in the brain

Stabilization, slowing down of the disease's progressio
Use caution when there is a history of gastric ulcers

Contra-indicated in the case of hepatic insufficiency

May exaggerate muscle relaxation during anesthesia
Nausea

Vomiting

Dizziness

Diarrhea

Headache

Emaciation

Stomach pain

Fatigue

ReminylTM (extended release galantamine hydrobromide)

Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate forms of Alzheimer's disease:

Cholinesterase inhibitor

Increases level of acetylcholine in the brain

Improves symptoms

Stabilization, slowing down of process
May cause bradycardia

Increases muscle relaxation during anesthesia

Use caution when there is a history of gastric ulcers
Nausea

Vomiting

Emaciation

Diarrhea

Weight loss

Other therapies used for Alzheimer's disease

Apart from the drugs, some other therapies have proved successful to slow the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms : cognitive remediation, light therapy, snoezelen and zootherapy.

Recent prevention studies in the United States and Europe show that a mediterranean diet, combined with regular physical exercise, can significantly delay the onset of symptoms.

Research at the Douglas

The following Douglas scientists specialize in Alzheimer’s disease research:

Need help ?

For more information, consult the ressources for family support and the brochure Tips to better deal with anger – Guide for the family.

[Alzheimer's Disease: Causes, symptoms and evolution] [Alzheimer's Disease: Treatments] [Alzheimer's Disease : Advice for the family]