Let's learn about Alzheimer's Disease Medication

When we learn that our mother, father, or someone very close to us has Alzheimer's disease, we feel a lot of sadness and worry. It is very difficult to see their memory gradually disappearing and they forget things. But don't worry. Although there is no cure for this disease, there are several types of medications that can help control the symptoms, slow down the progression of the disease, and make their life a little easier. Today, we will talk about those medications.

What happens to the brain in Alzheimer's disease?

Before we talk about this medicine, let's understand very simply what happens to the brain in Alzheimer's disease. Messages are exchanged between nerve cells in our brain through chemicals. In Alzheimer's disease, abnormal proteins (amyloid and tau) begin to accumulate in the brain. This damages nerve cells and disrupts communication between them. This has a major impact on the parts of the brain that control memory, thinking, and behavior .

Current medications mainly control this process. Some medications balance the levels of chemical messengers in the brain, while newer medications try to remove the abnormal protein deposits.

The main medications for Alzheimer's disease

Medications for Alzheimer's disease can be divided into two main categories. One is medication that controls the symptoms. The other is newer medication that attempts to control the progression of the disease, that is, the worsening of the disease.

1. Cholinesterase Inhibitors

These are the most commonly prescribed medications for patients in the early and middle stages of Alzheimer's disease.

How do they work?

Simply put, our brains have a chemical messenger called acetylcholine , which is essential for things like memory and learning. In Alzheimer's disease, the levels of this acetylcholine decrease. What these drugs do is stop the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain. This allows messages to be sent between nerve cells a little better.

What are the side effects of these?

Not everyone gets side effects, but some people may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, bloating, and fatigue.

2. Memantine

This medication is usually given to people in the moderate to severe stages of the disease. Sometimes, the doctor may give it in combination with the Donepezil mentioned above.

How does it work?

Another chemical messenger in the brain called glutamate becomes too high in Alzheimer's disease. This can damage nerve cells. Memantine works by controlling these glutamate levels. This can help improve a patient's attention, reasoning, and language. It can also help control symptoms such as restlessness, aggression, and seeing/hearing things that aren't there .

Side effects: Constipation, dizziness, headache, and drowsiness may occur.

3. New drugs that target amyloid deposits in the brain

These are the latest breakthroughs in Alzheimer's treatment. These are special drugs called ``monoclonal antibodies.'' These directly target the harmful protein deposits called amyloid plaques that accumulate in the brain. They are given through a vein (IV). They are currently approved only for patients in the very early stages of the disease.

• Lecanemab (Leqembi)
• Donanemab (Kisunla)

These drugs have been shown in trials to significantly slow the progression of the disease. However, they can cause dangerous side effects, such as temporary swelling of the brain or small bleeds, so they are given very carefully and only under the close supervision of a doctor.

Things you should be aware of when giving medicine to a patient

As a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's, you have a big responsibility, especially giving them their medication on time. There are a few things you need to be aware of.

In the early stages of the disease:

Although the patient may be able to take the medication on their own in the beginning, they may gradually forget about it. Do these things to help them.

• Use a pill organizer: Keep your medications organized for the week. It's best to have one with sections for morning, afternoon, and evening.
• Remind yourself on time: Set an alarm on your phone. Or, if you can, call and remind yourself at that time.
• Talk to them: Ask them lovingly, "Can I help you get your medicine?" Help them while respecting their independence.

When the disease is severe:

Over time, you will have to take full responsibility for administering the medication.

• If you have trouble swallowing pills: It could be because your mouth is dry. Give your child a drink of water before giving them the medicine. But if that doesn't work, ask your doctor if the medicine can be crushed and mixed with food, or if it's available in liquid form. Not all medicines are good to crush , so be sure to ask your doctor.
• If they say they can't take the medicine: Don't fight with them. That will only make them more upset. At that point, stop taking it, wait a while, and try again. Maybe they'll take it if you gently remind them, "This is the medicine for your problem." If they continue to refuse, tell your doctor.
• Keep a medication list: Write down every medicine, vitamin, and dosage they take, and when they take it. Take this list with you when you go to see a doctor.
• Keep your medications safe: Keep all medications in a locked cabinet, out of reach of children and the patient.

Alzheimer's disease, dementia, memory loss, brain disease, elderly care, donepezil, memantine, cholinesterase inhibitors