![]() Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, upset stomach, lack of hunger, weight loss or low heart rate. Commonly Used Medications for Persons with Cognitive Impairment Drug Name (Brand Name)Īll stages of dementia (not recommended in FTD) While these medications may cause side effects, many people are able to take them without problems. Usually the side effects go away after a few days, or the dose may need to be adjusted.Sometimes the medications don’t work, have problematic side effects or seem to make things worse.Sometimes they may not make a big difference, but memory, cognition or behavior may not decline or worsen as fast as without medications.Sometimes the medications can lead to improvement in memory, cognition or behavior.People respond very differently to medications. In addition, they may also help with mood, agitation and other behavioral issues. They may relieve symptoms related to memory, thinking, language and other thought processes. Overview of Medications for People with Cognitive ImpairmentĬurrent medications can’t cure Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, but they might be able to slow it down and make it easier to live with. Please consult with your doctors before making any changes to your medications and tell them about all medications you are taking, including prescription, non-prescription, vitamins, supplements and herbals. As the disease progresses and symptoms change, the medications or doses may need to change, or the medications might stop working or need to be stopped. It is important to see your doctor regularly while taking these medications. Make one medication change at a time to understand its effect.Avoid drug interactions that may interfere with medications used to treat cognitive problems.Avoid medications that may worsen memory and thinking or increase confusion, since people with cognitive problems may be particularly sensitive to the effects of certain medications.Start at a low dose and then increase slowly based on the patient’s response in order to maximize benefits and minimize side effects.When medications are indicated, the general advice is to: Some medications may no longer be needed or alternative treatments, including non-drug strategies, might be safer and more effective for you. Others might need their doses to be adjusted to provide benefits or to reduce side effects. While medications can be very helpful, some medications can cause new problems and should be avoided. Once a medical condition is ruled out, attempts to manage the symptoms with nondrug interventions is generally recommended first before using medications. ![]() Untreated concurrent medical problems can lead to behavioral problems, especially if the person with dementia is having difficulty communicating. Any dramatic or sudden change in cognition, movement or behavior should be evaluated for a medical condition that may require treatment, such as an infection or pain. Managing the changes associated with dementia requires a thoughtful approach. Medications to avoid in people with cognitive problems. ![]() ![]()
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