Which Dementia Medications Should You Use?
There are many different dementia medications on market. But how do you choose the right one? Continue reading to find out about the top drugs. Rivastigmine and Memantine are all great options. Donepezil and Benzodiazepines round out the list. Here’s a rundown of the top three. Plus, you will learn how they can help your loved one. Listed below is a description of each type of medication.
Rivastigmine
The Alzheimer’s Society finances research into new drugs. Studies are being conducted to see if rivastigmine can be used in dementia treatment. Common drugs are being evaluated for their anti-Alzheimer effects in some studies. Rivastigmine, which comes in patches and oral capsules, has been shown to have fewer side effects than other anti-Alzheimer’s medications.
The patient should take rivastigmine regularly. Rivastigmine should be taken with a meal every day. It is recommended to start at a lower dose and increase it gradually. Patients should not skip doses and should inform their physician if they miss any. Patients must inform their doctor and pharmacist about any medication allergies they have or unusual reactions.
Memantine
There is a direct link between the use of memantine and dementia. Although this medication is often prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, it should not be used for the same purpose. It can lead to liver and kidney problems and even seizures. Memantine may interact with herbal and complementary medications. It is important to read the manufacturer’s information leaflet to understand the risks and benefits of memantine.
Memantine is taken daily. It can be taken with or without food. You should take it according to the schedule and drink a glass water. It should be taken on a regular basis, usually around the same time each day. You should not mix it with other liquids. It is important to use the medication on a regular basis to ensure that side effects are less likely.
Donepezil
Donepezil is an antipsychotic medication that is prescribed by a doctor for dementia. The usual daily dose is five mg. It should not be broken down, chewed, or crushed. The daily dose of five mg should be taken at the same time every day. Donepezil should not be stopped for more than one month. If side effects develop, the medication should be closely monitored and adjusted as necessary.
Donepezil is an approved acetylcholinesterase inhibition for the treatment of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. It is a non-invasive, prescription drug that is generally used to improve cognitive function, reduce symptoms of the disease, and delay institutionalization for Alzheimer’s patients. While the drug is approved for treating mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, it has been shown to have some benefits in patients with Lewy body dementia as well.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are often prescribed for anxiety treatment and may increase the risk of developing dementia. According to a meta-analysis of 12 studies, benzodiazepines are associated with a higher risk of dementia in those who use them. In particular, they may contribute to vascular dementia, but there is limited evidence to draw conclusions about the risk of dementia. Researchers believe that a larger body of research is needed to understand whether benzodiazepines cause dementia in older adults.
The risk of developing dementia in those who took benzodiazepines was 50 percent higher than that of those who didn’t use them. The results were robust after accounting for confounding factors and pooling results over follow-up time. Also, the study used older DSM III R criteria to assess dementia. This raises doubts about the validity.
Cholinesterase inhibitors
The pharmacological efficacy of cholinesterase inhibitors in dementia has not yet been determined, but they may prove beneficial for patients with the condition. Various studies have examined their effectiveness in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Two recent reviews of these drugs reviewed the efficacy and safety of galantamine, rivastigmine, memantine, and bortezomib.
One study looked at the number of Alzheimer’s patients who met the criteria to be eligible for clinical trials of these drugs. Dopeezil 10mg was found to have a higher memory score than galantamine 5mg or galantamine. Galantamine and donepezil five mg had more severe side effects than donepezil 10, mg. Although the findings are not conclusive, they suggest that donepezil may play a role in easing symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
