Understanding Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment Options & Management

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, untreatable disease that causes memory loss and dementia. However, there are steps you can take to slow the progression of the disease.

Medication

• According to the Mayo Clinic, only two varieties of drugs can slow the progression of the disease.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

• Cholinesterase inhibitors such as Aricept, Exelon and Razadyne help improve the number of neurotransmitters in the brain. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, this type of medication only works for half of the people who take it.

Side Effects

• Cholinesterase inhibitors also come with many serious side effects, most of which are digestive issues such as diarrhea and vomiting.

Namenda

• Namenda works by shielding brain cells from glutamate, a messenger chemical. This drug is often used in combination with cholinesterase inhibitors. People on Namenda sometimes feel dizzy and experience delusional behavior and mood swings.

Other Drugs

• People with Alzheimer's disease also experience problems with anxiety, depression and sleep. Medication often is prescribed to help ease these symptoms.