The medications commonly used to manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s primarily focus on alleviating behavioral symptoms and promoting cognitive function. As there is currently no known cure for Alzheimer’s, the intention of pharmaceutical intervention is to improve quality of life by addressing symptoms.
Scroll down to see some of the common medications included in an Alzheimer’s treatment plan.
Common Groups of Medications Used to Treat Alzheimer’s Symptoms
The effectiveness of various medications varies from individual to individual. It’s important to work closely with care providers and a care team to make adjustments to treatment plans as needed. In addition to managing symptoms, the purpose of some of the following drugs is to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
NMDA Receptor Antagonist
There are a variety of medications that block excessive activity at NMDA receptors in the brain. This excessive activity can negatively impact the brain’s ability to retain memories and learn new skills and information. One NMDA receptor antagonist drug is called Memantine or Namenda. This medication regulates a neurotransmitter called glutamate. This medication can be effective as Alzheimer’s progresses to a moderate or severe state.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Cholinesterase inhibitors, the most common type of medication used to treat Alzheimer’s, increase levels of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine works in the brain to aid with functions like learning, memory, and other types of cognitive processing. In the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s, when the disease is mild or moderate, cholinesterase inhibitors can help individuals with thinking and retaining memories.
Antidepressants and Antianxiety Medications
Managing mood can provide symptomatic relief to individuals living with Alzheimer’s. Depression and anxiety go hand in hand with Alzheimer’s, especially as the disease progresses and individuals experience higher levels of confusion.
While medications to manage depression and anxiety do not directly address cognitive function, they can make difficult moods easier to manage for individuals and their caregivers, which, in turn, can improve well-being and quality of life. Antipsychotics and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed. These medications can have challenging side effects. They should be used with caution, closely managed by a care team, and as part of a larger treatment plan.
Respite Care in San Diego
At RanchView, we offer respite care accommodations. The respite care program enables family caregivers to take time to rest, recover from stress, and restore much-needed balance in their lives. With this service, we open our doors to individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia for a limited stay in our memory care community. This gives family caregivers the opportunity to have temporary relief from the responsibilities of caregiving without the need for families to make an immediate decision about long-term care.
Creating a Supportive Environment for Alzheimer’s Impacted Individuals
When people think of Alzheimer’s disease, the first symptom that usually comes to mind is memory loss. However, Alzheimer’s affects much more than just memory. It is a progressive disease that impacts various aspects of cognitive and physical functioning, making daily tasks increasingly difficult.
For families and caregivers, understanding these diverse symptoms can provide greater insight into the challenges their loved ones face. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, educating ourselves about the full range of symptoms can help create a more supportive environment for those living with the disease.
