Dementia is a serious and often fatal illness that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a syndrome or a group of symptoms rather than a specific disease. It can be characterized by difficulty in memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior.

People with dementia often experience a decline in cognitive and social functioning that makes it difficult for them to perform daily activities independently. Dementia is caused by various diseases that affect the brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease, among others. These diseases are progressive and can often lead to death.

However, there are drugs that can help reduce the risk of dementia mortality by 22 percent.

What Are the Drugs?

The drugs that have been shown to reduce the risk of dementia mortality by 22 percent are called cholinesterase inhibitors. They are used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common cause of dementia.

Cholinesterase inhibitors work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in learning and memory. This can help improve cognitive function, such as memory, attention, and language. The most commonly used cholinesterase inhibitors are donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine.

What Is the Evidence?

Several studies have shown that cholinesterase inhibitors can reduce the risk of dementia mortality.

One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2004 found that the use of cholinesterase inhibitors was associated with a 22 percent reduction in mortality among patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Another study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2018 found that cholinesterase inhibitors were associated with a reduced risk of death from any cause compared to placebo.

How Do Cholinesterase Inhibitors Work?

Cholinesterase inhibitors work by blocking the action of an enzyme called cholinesterase, which breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is involved in many functions in the brain, including memory, learning, and attention.

People with Alzheimer’s disease have a deficiency of acetylcholine, which contributes to the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of the disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors help to increase the availability of acetylcholine in the brain, which can help improve cognitive function.

They do not cure Alzheimer’s disease, but they can slow down the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life of patients.

What Are the Side Effects?

Cholinesterase inhibitors can have side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own.

In rare cases, cholinesterase inhibitors can cause more serious side effects, such as seizures, fainting, or an irregular heart rhythm. These side effects are more likely to occur in people with heart problems or seizures. Therefore, it is important to monitor patients closely for side effects when they are taking cholinesterase inhibitors.

Are Cholinesterase Inhibitors Right for You?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, talk to your doctor about whether cholinesterase inhibitors are right for you.

Your doctor will consider your medical history, medications, and other factors to determine whether the potential benefits of these drugs outweigh the risks. Cholinesterase inhibitors are not a cure for dementia, but they can help improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of mortality.

Other Ways to Reduce the Risk of Dementia Mortality

In addition to cholinesterase inhibitors, there are other ways to reduce the risk of dementia mortality.

Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and staying socially active can all help improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of death from dementia. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also help reduce the risk of dementia mortality. It is important to take care of your physical and mental health as you age to reduce the risk of dementia and other serious illnesses.

Conclusion

Dementia is a serious and often fatal illness that affects millions of people worldwide. Cholinesterase inhibitors are drugs that have been shown to reduce the risk of dementia mortality by 22 percent.

These drugs work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in learning and memory. They are used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common cause of dementia. Cholinesterase inhibitors can have side effects, but they are usually mild and go away on their own.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, talk to your doctor about whether cholinesterase inhibitors are right for you. Remember to take care of your physical and mental health as you age to reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as dementia.