While a cure for Alzheimer’s disease is yet to be discovered, five medications have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which help slow the progression of the symptoms of the disease in certain cases. Medications are aimed at improving patients’ cognitive function, such as the ability to recognize objects and people, make judgments and think in general. Since individuals react differently to medications, some patients see no positive results when taking medication while others experience significant improvement, if only temporarily. Medications herein are described by their brand names.

-Aricept: Approved by the FDA in 1996, Aricept can help slow the regression of cognitive function for patients who are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Aricept and other cholinesterase inhibitors are believed to slow the breakdown of acetycholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain which aids nerve cell communication and memory.

-Cognex: The first drug approved by the FDA for Alzheimer’s symptoms, Cognex (generically called Tacrine) is a cholinesterase inhibitor that marked a breakthrough for Alzheimer’s treatment. With several alternatives available today, Cognex has undergone a decline in popularity due to factors such as side effects including liver damage and a high dosage frequency.

-Razadyne: Previously named Reminyl until the name was changed in 2005, Razadyne is also known by its generic name Galantamine. Razadyne, extracted from certain kinds of daffodils, is commonly prescribed for Alzheimer’s patients in the mild to moderate stages, and is also classified as a cholinesterase inhibitor.

-Exelon: Approved by the FDA in 2000, this medication is also known by its generic name, Rivastigmine. Like the three medications described above, Exelon is a cholinesterase inhibitor. Doses of this medication are given in gradually increasing doses, and the effects are temporary.

-Namenda: Approved by the FDA in 2003, Namenda can be prescribed to patients in the moderate to severe phases of Alzheimer’s disease. The first FDA approved drug of its kind, Namenda protects neurons in the brain from excess Glutamate, a neurotransmitter that is in part responsible for the death of brain cells in Alzheimer’s patients.

Each medication outlined above carries with it the risk of side effects, some serious. These medications should be prescribed only by a physician who specializes in dementia, and the effects of the medication on the patient periodically assessed.