Category: alzheimers

Early onset dementia is rare and difficult to diagnose. Learn about early signs of dementia that may indicate that something is wrong Dementia is common in people over the age of 65. However, early onset dementia and associated early onset Alzheimer’s disease is much less common, affecting people in their 40s and 50s.  Signs of...

What is memantine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Memantine is an oral medication for treating patients with Alzheimer's disease. Other medications used for Alzheimer's disease affect acetylcholine, one of the neurotransmitter chemicals that nerve cells in the brain use to communicate with one another. These drugs – galantamine (Razadyne – formerly known...

What brand names are available for rivastigmine? Exelon, Exelon Patch Is rivastigmine available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for rivastigmine? Yes What are the uses for rivastigmine? Exelon and Exelon Patch is used for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type or mild to...

What is galantamine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Galantamine is in a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors that also includes tacrine (Cognex), donezepil (Aricept), and rivastigmine (Exelon). Cholinesterase inhibitors inhibit (block) the action of acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the destruction of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is one of several neurotransmitters in the...

What is dementia? The Global Deterioration Scale for Assessment of Primary Degenerative Dementia, or GDS, defines the 7 stages of dementia. The 7 stages are based on a person's cognitive decline or loss of thinking skills. Dementia is an umbrella term for memory loss, language difficulties, and other struggles related to problem-solving and thinking abilities...

What is dementia? Share Your Story Dementia is a term that describes a chronic or persistent disorder of mental processing. There are seven stages of dementia. What are the early warning signs and symptoms of dementia? Share Your Story Dementia may produce a group of signs and symptoms that become more severe over time. Some...

Tips for Caregivers of a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease Share Your Story Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease at home is a difficult task and can become overwhelming at times. Each day brings new challenges as the caregiver copes with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior. Research has shown that caregivers...

Introduction As you and your family evaluate your long-term care needs for dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to consider financing options including health coverage, Medicare, and Medicaid. Long-term financial planning is important for everyone — but is essential if you are coping with the expense of a long-term illness, such as Alzheimer’s disease....

Dementia facts There are seven stages of dementia. Dementia is a broad description which includes many different symptoms, including memory loss, word-finding difficulties, impaired judgment, and problems with day-to-day activities, which are caused by injury or loss of brain cells (neurons). Signs and symptoms of dementia are varied, but typically include: Memory loss Problems with...