Dementia is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a progressive disease that affects the brain and its ability to function properly.

While there is no cure for dementia, there are drugs that can help improve symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. In fact, recent studies have found that certain drugs can even lower the risk of death by 22%. This article will discuss the drugs that have shown promising results in treating dementia and reducing the risk of death.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a broad term that is used to describe a group of symptoms that affect thinking, memory, and social abilities.

The condition is caused by damage to the brain cells and can be caused by a variety of factors, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. Dementia is a progressive disease that gets worse over time, and there is currently no cure for the condition. However, there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life of those who have the disease.

Drugs Used for Dementia Treatment

There are several drugs that are used to treat dementia symptoms, including cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine.

These drugs work by either increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain or blocking the action of other chemicals that can cause damage to brain cells. Here are some of the drugs used for dementia treatment:.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Cholinesterase inhibitors work by increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a chemical that is important for memory and learning, and it is often decreased in people with dementia.

By increasing the levels of acetylcholine, cholinesterase inhibitors can help improve memory, thinking, and other cognitive abilities. Some of the most commonly used cholinesterase inhibitors include:.

Donepezil (Aricept)
Rivastigmine (Exelon)
Galantamine (Razadyne)

Memantine

Memantine is a drug that works by blocking the action of glutamate, a chemical that can cause damage to brain cells.

Memantine is often used in combination with cholinesterase inhibitors and can help improve cognitive abilities and reduce symptoms of dementia. Some of the most commonly used memantine drugs include:.

Memantine (Namenda)
Memantine XR (Namenda XR)

Drugs That Lower the Risk of Death by 22%

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Eastern Finland found that certain drugs used for dementia treatment can lower the risk of death by 22%.

The study looked at over 20,000 people with Alzheimer’s disease and found that those who were taking cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine had a 22% lower risk of death compared to those who were not taking the drugs. The study also found that those who were taking both cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine had an even lower risk of death, with a 39% reduction in mortality.

Conclusion

Dementia is a progressive disease that affects millions of people around the world. While there is no cure for the condition, there are drugs that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine are two drugs that are commonly used for dementia treatment and have shown promising results in reducing the risk of death. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional about the available treatment options.