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Alzheimer’s Disease Medications for Memory

Alzheimer’s Disease Medications for Memory

Blog, Dementias, Progressive Neurological Diseases

Dementia Treatments

Alzheimer’s Disease Medication

Introduction 

People are increasingly interested in the latest advancements in Alzheimer’s disease medications as they seek to safeguard their brain health through the most cutting-edge scientific developments. Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes, poses significant challenges for both patients and their loved ones. As awareness of Alzheimer’s grows and its prevalence rises, there is a growing sense of urgency to explore all available options for prevention, treatment, and management.

Leqembi

+ Leqembi is an IV medication for early-stage Alzheimer’s, targeting and removing beta-amyloid from the brain.

+ While not a cure, it’s the first FDA-approved treatment addressing Alzheimer’s biology, aiming to slow down cognitive decline and maintain independence.

+ It’s only for those with confirmed elevated beta-amyloid levels and hasn’t been tested for advanced stages or those without symptoms.

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Aduhelm

Aducanumab

+ Aducanumab (Aduhelm®) has gained accelerated FDA approval for treating early Alzheimer’s and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s Disease.

+ It’s the first therapy to demonstrate that reducing beta-amyloid in the brain can slow cognitive and functional decline in early-stage Alzheimer’s by targeting and removing specific forms of beta-amyloid plaques.

+ Administered via intravenous infusion every 4 weeks, Aducanumab aims to reduce beta-amyloid accumulation, potentially aiding other brain functions in memory, thinking, learning, and behaviors.

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Aricept

Donepezil

Donepezil (Aricept) : Approved to treat all stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. Its primary mechanism of action involves inhibiting an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme normally breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning. By inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, Aricept increases the levels of acetylcholine in the brain, temporarily improving communication between nerve cells.

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Exelon

Rivastigmine

Rivastigmine (Exelon): Approved for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease and mild-to-moderate dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease. This is another medication used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Its mechanism of action is similar to Aricept but extends to inhibiting both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes. By doing so, Rivastigmine increases the levels of acetylcholine in the brain, supporting improved communication between nerve cells. This helps alleviate cognitive symptoms in individuals with Alzheimer’s, providing symptomatic relief without modifying the underlying progression of the disease.

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Razadyne

Galantamine

Galantamine (Razadyne): Approved for mild-to-moderate stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Its mechanism of action involves acting as a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, similar to Aricept and Rivastigmine. By inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for memory and learning, Galantamine temporarily increases its levels in the brain. This enhancement of acetylcholine communication between nerve cells aims to alleviate cognitive symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

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Namenda

Memantine

Memantine (Namenda): Approved for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease. Unlike acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, Memantine works by modulating the activity of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. It acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist, helping regulate the activity of glutamate and preventing excessive stimulation. This mechanism aims to protect nerve cells from damage caused by overstimulation, which is implicated in the progression of Alzheimer’s. Memantine provides symptomatic relief by addressing a different aspect of neurotransmission compared to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, offering a complementary approach in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

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Namzaric

Donepezil and memantine (Namzaric): Approved for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease. Namzaric is a combination medication that includes both donepezil and memantine. Each component targets different aspects of Alzheimer’s disease to provide a comprehensive treatment approach. Together, the combination of donepezil and memantine in Namzaric aims to enhance cognitive function and provide symptomatic relief in individuals with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. It represents a synergistic strategy by targeting both acetylcholine and glutamate to address different aspects of the disease’s underlying pathology.

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The Neurological Therapist – Interview your therapist

The Neurological Therapist – Interview your therapist

Blog, Neurological Rehabilitation

The Neurological Therapist – Interview your therapist

Neurological therapy is a specialized area requiring devoted time and training.

When looking for a neurological therapist, whether for hiring or collaborating, it’s crucial to consider several factors to ensure they possess the necessary knowledge and skills in neurological rehabilitation.

Qualifications and Credentials

  • Do they hold any additional certifications relevant to neurological rehabilitation, such as Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS), Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), or Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) certification?
  • Have they pursued advanced training or completed post-professional education programs focused specifically on neurological rehabilitation?
  • Are they members of professional organizations related to neurological rehabilitation, such as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) or the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)?
  • Have they participated in continuing education courses or workshops related to specific neurological conditions, assessment tools, or treatment approaches?
  • Can they provide evidence of ongoing professional development and commitment to staying abreast of advancements in neurological rehabilitation practice?

Experience

  • What is the extent of their experience specifically in neurological rehabilitation, including the number of years dedicated to this specialty area?
  • Have they worked with a diverse range of neurological conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, etc.?
  • In what settings have they practiced neurological rehabilitation, such as acute care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, outpatient clinics, community-based settings, or specialized neurological rehabilitation centers?
  • Can they demonstrate versatility in adapting their skills and expertise to different practice environments and patient populations?
  • Can they provide specific examples or case studies of patients they’ve treated for neurological conditions, highlighting successful outcomes achieved through their interventions?
  • Are they able to articulate their approach to managing complex neurological cases, including the development of individualized treatment plans, goal-setting strategies, and ongoing assessment and modification of interventions based on patient progress?
  • Have they encountered challenging cases or situations in neurological rehabilitation, and how did they approach and overcome these challenges to achieve positive results for their patients?

Knowledge of Neurological Conditions

  • Do they have a comprehensive understanding of different neurological conditions, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, etc.?
  • Are they familiar with the specific impairments and challenges associated with each condition?
  • Can they tailor treatment plans to address the unique needs of individual patients with neurological disorders?
  • Can they integrate the principles of neuroplasticity, motor learning, and task-specific training into their treatment approaches to promote recovery, maximize functional independence, and enhance quality of life for individuals with neurological disorders?

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

  • Do they stay updated on the latest research and evidence-based practices in neurological rehabilitation?
  • Are they able to integrate evidence-based interventions into their treatment plans?
  • Can they critically evaluate the effectiveness of different treatment approaches based on research findings?

Assessment and Evaluation Skills

  • How do they assess and evaluate the functional abilities and limitations of patients with neurological conditions?
  • Are they proficient in using standardized assessment tools commonly used in neurological rehabilitation?
  • Can they conduct comprehensive evaluations to identify specific impairments and set realistic goals for therapy?

Treatment Techniques and Modalities

  • What treatment techniques and modalities do they utilize in neurological rehabilitation?
  • Are they skilled in neurorehabilitation approaches such as neuroplasticity-based therapy, constraint-induced movement therapy, task-specific training, etc.?
  • Do they have experience with assistive devices, adaptive equipment, and technology used in neurological rehabilitation?

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

  • Are they accustomed to working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, such as neurologists, physiatrists, speech therapists, etc.?
  • Do they ask you about your experience and your team at the time of your evaluation?
  • Do they seek to offer referrals and recommendations for other professionals at the time of your evaluation?
  • Can they effectively communicate and coordinate care plans with other team members to optimize patient outcomes?

Patient-Centered Care

  • Do they prioritize patient-centered care and actively involve patients in goal-setting and treatment planning?
  • Are they empathetic, compassionate, and able to establish rapport with patients and their families?

Bottom Line:

For anyone seeking neurological physical therapy or occupational therapy, it’s essential to do some research and be ready to ask questions when meeting with your therapist. Since health insurance often limits the number of sessions and out-of-pocket costs for neurological rehabilitation can be high, it’s crucial not to waste time with the wrong therapist. Take the time to research your provider before committing to treatment.