The most recommended Alzheimer’s medications are donepezil, rivastigmine, memantine and galantamine to slow the progression of the disease and antipsychotics, antidepressants and anxiolytics to control symptoms such as agitation and anxiety.
Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease that mainly affects people over 65 years of age, causing symptoms such as forgetfulness and progressive difficulty in carrying out daily tasks and/or taking care of oneself. Learn more about Alzheimer’s.
Although there is no cure, treatment with Alzheimer’s medication can improve a person’s quality of life, and it is important to consult a neurologist or psychiatrist so that the best options can be indicated for each case.
Main medications for Alzheimer’s
The main drug options for Alzheimer’s are:
1. Donepezil
Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that works by increasing levels of acetylcholine in the brain, a neurotransmitter responsible for controlling memory and body movement. This medication is indicated for all stages of Alzheimer’s and can be combined with other drugs, such as memantine.
Donepezil can cause side effects such as fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite and weight loss. Therefore, its use must be guided by a psychiatrist or neurologist. This medicine can be found in the form of 5 and 10 mg tablets and oral solution. Check out what donepezil is for and how to take it.
2. Rivastigmine
Rivastigmine is an Alzheimer’s medication from the cholinesterase inhibitor class and is indicated in mild and moderate cases of the disease. This medication can be found in the form of oral tablets or subcutaneous patches for daily use.
Treatment with rivastigmine can cause side effects such as muscle weakness and digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Learn about other side effects of rivastigmine.
3. Galantamine
Galantamine, like donepezil and rivastigmine, is a cholinesterase inhibitor medication and is indicated in mild and moderate cases of Alzheimer’s. Galantamine can be found in the form of 8, 16 and 24 mg extended-release tablets.
This Alzheimer’s medication may cause some side effects such as dizziness, headache, and digestive symptoms including vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. It is important that its use is guided by a psychiatrist or neurologist.
4. Menantina
Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist drug, which works by blocking the excessive activation of these receptors, preventing the loss of neurons in Alzheimer’s disease. This medicine is indicated in moderate and severe cases of the disease.
The use of memantine should be done under the guidance of a neurologist or psychiatrist due to the risk of side effects, such as headache and mental confusion. This Alzheimer’s medication exists in the form of tablets, oral solution and extended-release capsules. See what memantine is for and how to use it.
5. Anxiolytics
Anxiolytics, such as chlorpromazine, alprazolam or zolpidem, may sometimes be indicated in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease to control symptoms such as agitation and difficulty sleeping.
However, the use of these Alzheimer’s medications should only be for a short period of time, as they can cause side effects such as mental confusion, drowsiness and dizziness.
6. Antidepressants
The use of antidepressants in Alzheimer’s disease is usually indicated in case of problems such as depression or anxiety. Some options for these medications for Alzheimer’s are sertraline, nortriptyline, mirtazapine or Trazodone.
7. Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics, such as olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone, may be indicated in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease to control symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia and agitation.
However, the side effects of these medications can put a person’s life at risk and, therefore, are usually recommended by a doctor only in severe cases of Alzheimer’s.
Read too: Sunset syndrome: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment
Other treatment options
In addition to medications for Alzheimer’s, other options that may be recommended to complement the treatment indicated by your doctor include home and natural remedies or physical therapy.
Homemade and natural remedies
Natural and home remedies for Alzheimer’s disease should not replace the treatment recommended by the doctor and their use should be limited, so as not to interfere with the recommended treatment.
Some natural options that can have a positive impact on delaying the disease are consuming foods rich in acetylcholine and having a diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, E and omega-3, present in citrus fruits, whole grains, seeds and fish. Discover more foods that are good for the brain.
Furthermore, lemon balm and gingko biloba have positive effects on the transmission and function of acetylcholine receptors, and therefore the use of these plants could help reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Physiotherapy for Alzheimer’s
Physiotherapy treatment is important to reduce the physical limitations that Alzheimer’s can bring, such as difficulty walking and balancing, and should be done at least 3 times a week.
Physiotherapy must be carried out with exercises that are easy to understand and perform, as the patient’s mental capacity is reduced, and physiotherapy is useful for:
- Help strengthen muscles, improving coordination, balance and flexibility;
- Avoid pain in muscles and joints;
- Prevent falls and fractures;
- Prevent the patient from becoming bedridden;
- Prevent the appearance of bedsores in bedridden individuals;
- Avoid pain in muscles and joints;
- Increase peristaltic movements of the intestine, facilitating the elimination of feces.
The caregiver should also be instructed to help the person perform physiotherapy exercises daily at home, to enhance the results. Understand better how physiotherapy for Alzheimer’s is carried out.
How to prevent Alzheimer’s
To prevent Alzheimer’s it is recommended:
- Keep your mind active by playing strategy games, such as puzzles or crosswords;
- Learn to play an instrument;
- Get a good night’s sleep and get enough sleep;
- Practice at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, such as swimming, cycling and dancing;
- Having a healthy diet, rich in vegetables, fish and fruit, helps provide the brain with essential nutrients for proper functioning.
These measures help to stimulate reasoning and develop healthy habits, which are important to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Check out more tips to prevent Alzheimer’s.
Find out more about this disease, how to prevent it and how to care for people with Alzheimer’s:
