Alzheimer’s disease is the most common key in of dementia.
Comparison of Medications
There are several different medications for dementia andAlzheimer’s disease(AD).
These options include:
The following table summarizes the uses and side effects of different dementia medications.
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The table also includes information on how the drugs for dementia work.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drug class consists of several medications.
In Alzheimer’s disease, acetylcholine activity is low.
These medications help by increasing acetylcholine levels.
Memantine
Memantine works by preventing glutamate from attaching to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (binding site).
Glutamate is a naturally occurring chemical.
When glutamate interacts with the NMDA binding site, it causes excitatory effects.
These excitatory effects may play a role in the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Common side effects of memantine include:
3.
Donepezil and Memantine
Donepezil and memantine is a combination medication for Alzheimer’s disease.
It has the combined actions of both types of medications.
In general, it works by increasing acetylcholine activity and limiting glutamate activity.
Common side effects include:
4.
Belsoma suppresses this wakefulness system.
Drowsiness and sleepiness are common side effects of this medication.
Rexulti (Brexiprazole)
Rexulti is in the atypical antipsychotic class.
Kisunla (Donanemab)
Kisunla is a human-mademonoclonal antibodyused to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
Headache is a side effect of this dementia medication.Other commonbut seriousside effects include:
7.
Leqembi (Lecanemab)
Leqembi is a human-made monoclonal antibody.
The Leqembi antibody protein attaches and decreases clumps of amyloid beta plaques that build up in Alzheimer’s disease.
Leqembi is an injectable you receive as an intravenous infusion in a healthcare setting.
Common side effects include headache andinfusion-related reactions.
Other commonbut seriousside effects that may happen are brain swelling and bleeding.
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease is a medical condition that results in worsening memory loss over time.
Alzheimer’s Association.Medications for memory, cognition, and dementia-related behaviors.
National Institute of Aging.How is Alzheimer’s disease treated?
DailyMed.Donepezil hydrochloride tablet label.
DailyMed.Rivastigmine tartrate capsule label.
Marucci G, Buccioni M, Ben DD, et al.Efficacy of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer’s disease.Neuropharmacology.
2021;17:927-949. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S323387
DailyMed.Memantine label.
DailyMed.Memantine and donepezil hydrochloride extended-release label.
2024;25(10):105173. doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105173
DailyMed.Kisunla label.
