7 MEDICATIONS THAT MAY HELP SLOW OR MANAGE DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER’S SYMPTOMS

Medically reviewed by Femi Aremu, PharmD

Dementia is a loss of brain function that affects memory, thinking, judgment, behavior, and language with Alzheimer's disease being the most common type of dementia. The best medication for dementia depends on several factors, such as side effect tolerability, history with specific medications, behavioral symptoms, and disease severity.

Jump to Key Takeaways.

1. Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors

The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drug class consists of several medications. The list includes:

• Donepezil
• Rivastigmine
• Galantamine
• Zunveyl (benzgalantamine)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved all of these medications for Alzheimer's disease. In general, they work by blocking the acetylcholinesterase protein from breaking down acetylcholine, a naturally occurring chemical in the brain. In Alzheimer's disease, acetylcholine activity is low. These medications help by increasing acetylcholine levels.

Common side effects include:

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Low appetite
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tiredness and weakness

2. Memantine

Memantine works by preventing glutamate from attaching to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (binding site). Glutamate is a naturally occurring chemical. When glutamate interacts with the NMDA binding site, it causes excitatory effects. These excitatory effects may play a role in the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Common side effects of memantine include:

• Confusion
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Headache

3. Donepezil and Memantine

Donepezil and memantine is a combination medication for Alzheimer's disease.

It has the combined actions of both types of medications. In general, it works by increasing acetylcholine activity and limiting glutamate activity.

Common side effects include:

• Bruising
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Low appetite
• Nausea and vomiting

4. Belsomra (Suvorexant)

Belsomra (suvorexant) is an FDA-approved medication for insomnia (a sleep disorder). People also use it for insomnia in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Belsomra prevents the orexin A and B proteins from attaching to the OX1R and OX2R receptors (binding sites). When the orexin A and B proteins interact with the OX1R and OX2R binding sites, the proteins encourage wakefulness. Belsoma suppresses this wakefulness system.

Drowsiness and sleepiness are common side effects of this medication.

5. Rexulti (Brexiprazole)

Rexulti is in the atypical antipsychotic class. The FDA approved this medication for several uses:

• Agitation associated with Alzheimer's disease
• Schizophrenia in people 13 years and older
• Combination therapy with antidepressants for depression in adults

Rexulti works by suppressing serotonin 5-HT_2A receptor (binding site) activity and partially activating serotonin 5-HT_1A and dopamine D₂ receptors (binding sites). Serotonin and dopamine are naturally occurring chemicals in the body.

When Rezulti is used for agitation associated with Alzheimer's disease, common side effects include:

• Cold-like symptoms
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Urinary tract infections

6. Kisunla (Donanemab)

Kisunla is a human-made monoclonal antibody used to treat Alzheimer's disease. This antibody mimics a protective protein, but it binds and reduces certain forms of amyloid beta plaques, which build up in Alzheimer's disease.

Headache is a side effect of this dementia medication. Other common—but serious—side effects include:

• Brain bleeding
• Brain swelling
• Buildup of hemosiderin (iron-containing and rusty coloring pigment) in the brain and spinal cord from the breakdown of red blood cells

7. Leqembi (Lecanemab)

Leqembi is a human-made monoclonal antibody. The FDA approved this dementia medication for Alzheimer's disease to be started in people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia. The Leqembi antibody protein attaches and decreases clumps of amyloid beta plaques that build up in Alzheimer's disease.

Leqembi is an injectable you receive as an intravenous infusion in a healthcare setting. Common side effects include headache and infusion-related reactions. Other common—but serious—side effects that may happen are brain swelling and bleeding.

Key Takeaways

• Alzheimer's disease is a medical condition that results in worsening memory loss over time.
• While there is no cure for the condition, there are several medications to help slow and manage the symptoms of dementia and related behavioral concerns.
• Talk to your healthcare provider and pharmacist to help you and your loved one best manage this condition with limited side effects.

Read the original article on Verywell Health

2025-08-12T17:18:05Z