Medications

" It may be difficult to tell if Alzheimer's drugs are helping, because their effect is usually modest." Mayo Clinic Staff.

The two medications most often recommended for dementia are Aricept (now in generic form) and Namenda.  The latest Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's newsletter has some information about how each of these medications work and when a person might consider stopping taking them.  The newsletter suggests that if we see a sharp decline in the person with dementia, that we consult a physician.  Both of these medications have side effects, and that is always a fine art:  deciding if the benefit of the medication outweighs the adverse side effects.  It is important to have a doctor you trust on your team of supporters.