Donepezil (Aricept®)

 

Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in the management of Alzheimer’s disease. It works by slowing the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory, learning, and cognitive function. By increasing the availability of acetylcholine in the brain, Donepezil helps improve communication between nerve cells, supporting cognitive performance and daily functioning in patients with mild to severe Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Rivastigmine (Exelon®)

 

Rivastigmine is a dual-acting cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease dementia. It inhibits both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes, increasing levels of acetylcholine in the brain. This enhanced neurotransmitter activity helps improve cognition, attention, and memory, and supports better neurological function in affected patients.

 

Galantamine (Reminyl®)

 

Galantamine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, Galantamine also modulates nicotinic receptors, enhancing cholinergic signaling in the brain. This dual mechanism supports memory, learning, and overall cognitive performance by improving nerve cell communication.

 

 

Clinical studies have demonstrated that these treatments may also be beneficial for individuals living with dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson’s disease dementia, and mixed dementia involving Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Overall, there is minimal variation in effectiveness among these medications.

 

In cases where hallucinations are a prominent symptom, Rivastigmine is often considered the preferred option.

 

Possible side effects:

Patients may experience nausea or reduced appetite, though these effects typically ease within the first two weeks of treatment.

 

 

Memantine (Namenda®)

 

Memantine is prescribed for people with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, or mixed Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. It is particularly suitable for patients who cannot tolerate or are unable to use acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

 

This medication functions by regulating excessive glutamate activity in the brain, a chemical that, in high levels, can contribute to neuronal damage.

 

Possible side effects:

Temporary effects such as headaches, dizziness, or constipation may occur, but these are generally short-lived.