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Other treatments, activities and support – for the carer, too – are just as important in helping people live well with dementia. Medicines for Alzheimer's disease symptoms are only one part of the care for the person with dementia. Treatments that involve therapies and activities It's acceptable for a doctor to do this, but they must provide a reason for using these medications in these circumstances. Sometimes other medications may be recommended to treat specific symptoms in BPSD, but these will be prescribed "off-label" (not specifically licensed for BPSD). Haloperidol should only be used if other treatments have not helped.Īntidepressants may sometimes be given if depression is suspected as an underlying cause of anxiety. Risperidone should be used at the lowest dose and for the shortest time possible as it has serious side effects. These are the only medicines licensed for people with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease where there's a risk of harm to themselves or others.
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If coping strategies do not work, a consultant psychiatrist can prescribe risperidone or haloperidol, antipsychotic medicines, for those showing persistent aggression or extreme distress. These changes in behaviour can be very distressing for both the person with Alzheimer's disease and their carer. In the later stages of dementia, a significant number of people will develop what's known as behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Side effects can include headaches, dizziness and constipation but these are usually only temporary.įor more information about the possible side effects of your specific medicine, read the patient information leaflet that comes with it or speak to your doctor. It's also suitable for people with severe Alzheimer’s disease who are already taking an AChE inhibitor. It's suitable for those who cannot take or are unable to tolerate AChE inhibitors.
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Memantine is used for moderate or severe Alzheimer's disease. It works by blocking the effects of an excessive amount of a chemical in the brain called glutamate. The side effects usually get better after 2 weeks of taking the medication. There's no difference in how well each of the 3 different AChE inhibitors work, although some people respond better to certain types or have fewer side effects, which can include nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. The latest guidelines recommend that these medicines should be continued in the later, severe, stages of the disease. They may be prescribed by a GP on the advice of a specialist, or by GPs that have particular expertise in their use.ĭonepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine can be prescribed for people with early- to mid-stage Alzheimer's disease. They can currently only be prescribed by specialists, such as psychiatrists or neurologists. These medicines increase levels of acetylcholine, a substance in the brain that helps nerve cells communicate with each other. The main medicines are: Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors MedicinesĪ number of medicines may be prescribed for Alzheimer's disease to help temporarily improve some symptoms.
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Support is also available to help someone with the condition, and their family, cope with everyday life. But there is medicine available that can temporarily reduce the symptoms. There's currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease.