What Are the Medication Treatments for Dementia?

Medications for dementia can treat symptoms temporarily or slow their progression. Dementia-related diseases are typically progressive. Presently there is no real cure for them.

NMDA Blockers

• N-methyl-D-aspartate blockers prevent NMDA receptors from becoming overstimulated by glutamate, which may be associated with the impaired function and death of nerve cells. These drugs are used in moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Namenda is an NMDA blocker.

AChE Inhibitors

• AChE inhibitors slow the breakdown of the neurotransmitter (brain chemical) acetylcholine. They are used for less-severe Alzheimer's symptoms. Cognex, Aricept, Reminyl and Exelon are AChE inhibitors. They are sometimes combined with NMDA blockers.

Antipsychotics

• Antipsychotic drugs are useful in treating agitation or psychosis associated with dementia. Examples are Haldol, Risperdal, Zyprexa and Seroquel.

Antidepressants

• Antidepressant drugs may be of use in treating dementia-related depression. These drugs include Desyrel and Lomont, which also have sedative effects that help patients sleep.

Anti-anxiety Drugs

• Dementia patients often experience symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety, which can be improved by anti-anxiety drugs like Buspar.