Alzheimer's Disease Medications - Health Tips

Get practical tips regarding Alzheimer's Disease Medications to help you prepare for your appointments and manage your care from home.

Thoughts on Alzheimer's Disease Medications by Dr. Peterkin Lee-Kwen, MD
November 2023

Normal brain has more than 90 billion cells as a teenager. After this, the brain loses several thousand nerve cells on a daily basis. At approximately the age 65 years, a lot of nerve cells are lost, resulting in Alzheimer's disease.

Donepezil helps the natural Acetylcholine from neurons last longer in the brain. This creates a hack into the brain- making it believe has more functioning neurons than actually exist. The benefits of this medication include reduction in confusion. Delay in nursing home placement by up to 2 years. Side effects of this medication may include a small percentage of patient worsening confusion. Some patients may experience diarrhea orl abdominal discomfort.

Memantine is another medication used to help maintain or slow cognitive decline. This works on NMDA receptors. It is given 10 mg twice a day

Rivastigmine patches are used once a day. This is walking on the acetylcholine and ButylCholine receptors. This is a patch that is applied to the skin and rotated on a daily basis. This may cause local skin irritation.