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Medication & Treatment for Alzheimer's & Dementia

Alzheimer's disease is one form of dementia, symptoms of which may be treated by a variety of medications. Treatment may help to improve the quality of life of Alzheimer's patients.

  1. Definition

    • According to WebMD.com, Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia, accounting for 50 to 60 percent of all cases. Dementia refers to the loss of mental functions such as cognition, memory, language, and reasoning.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease may include memory loss, difficulty with abstract thinking, confusion, impaired speech and language capability, and difficulty performing common tasks. Those with Alzheimer's disease may also exhibit personality changes such as mood swings, depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal.

    Treatment

    • According to eMedicineHealth.com, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, though medication may slow its progression. Mental activity, such as puzzles, interactive games, and reading may also help to slow the disease.

    Medication

    • Drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include Razadyne, Exelon, and Aricept. Namenda may be prescribed to treat severe cases of Alzheimer's disease.

    Side Effects

    • According to the National Institute on Aging, side effects of Razadyne, Exelon and Aricept may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Namenda may cause dizziness, headaches, constipation and confusion.

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