There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But there are a number of medications to help treat it, and more are in development.
If you or a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, you likely know that there is not yet a cure for this condition. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved some medications that can help prevent or slow the development of cognitive (thought-related) symptoms such as memory loss and trouble thinking.
Read on to learn about drugs that are available today and others that are currently being developed.
Below are some of the drugs most commonly prescribed to prevent or slow the development of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. The effectiveness of these drugs can vary from person to person, and all these drugs become less effective over time as the disease gradually progresses.
- Aducanumab: This drug targets deposits of a protein called beta-amyloid in the brain. In people with Alzheimer’s, this protein forms clusters, or plaques, around brain cells, and these plaques prevent messages from being sent between the cells, causing Alzheimer’s symptoms.
- Donepezil (Aricept): This drug is used to delay or slow the symptoms of mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer’s. It comes as a tablet or a disintegrating tablet.
- Galantamine (Razadyne): This drug is used to prevent or slow the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. It comes as a tablet, an extended-release capsule, or an oral solution (liquid).
- Memantine (Namenda): This drug is sometimes given along with Aricept, Exelon, or Razadyne. It’s used to delay or slow the symptoms of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. It comes as a tablet, an extended-release capsule, or an oral solution.
- Rivastigmine (Exelon): This drug is used to prevent or slow the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. It comes as a capsule or an extended-release transdermal patch.
- Memantine extended-release and donepezil (Namzaric): This drug comes as a capsule and is used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. It’s prescribed for certain people who take donepezil and have not had bad reactions to the ingredients. No evidence suggests that it prevents or slows the underlying disease process.
Alzheimer’s is a complex disease, and researchers do not yet fully understand it or how to treat it. However, they are hard at work developing new drugs and drug combinations. The goal of these new products is to reduce the symptoms or even change the disease process.
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One of the most promising drugs now in development is insulin. In a clinical trial called the Study of Nasal Insulin in the Fight Against Forgetfulness (SNIFF), researchers are examining whether a type of insulin in a nasal spray can improve memory function. The focus of the research is on people with mild memory problems or Alzheimer’s.
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A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult to face, but it can be helpful to learn all you can about the medications that could ease the symptoms.
Talking with your doctor is another important step. Before a doctor’s visit, you may want to write down topics and questions such as these to make sure you get the answers you need:
- Which medications and medication combinations will you prescribe now and in the near future? What symptom changes can I expect after treatment begins, and what is the typical time frame for these changes?
- What are the possible side effects of treatment? When should I contact you for help?
- Are there any clinical treatment trials I could consider joining?
- In addition to medications, what lifestyle changes can I make to slow down the progression of symptoms?
There are a number of drugs available and in development for Alzheimer’s disease. Your doctor can help make sure that you are taking the proper medication and can inform you of new drugs as they become available.