Early Onset Alzheimer’s

Medications Can Slow the Progression of Early Onset Alzheimer’s

Regardless of when the condition occurs, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. The disease will continue to progress until a person experiences a significant breakdown of their cognitive abilities, which will also impact physical function.

While there is no cure, certain medications can help alleviate symptoms and reduce how quickly they progress:

• Memantine – Glutamate is a chemical messenger that facilitates essential brain functions. People with Alzheimer’s often have excessive glutamate levels in the brain, but a medication called memantine stops the glutamate from interacting with cells in the brain.

• Cholinesterase Inhibitors – Acetylcholine is another type of chemical messenger that supports cognitive abilities. Drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors stop the degradation of acetylcholine, which helps prevent cognitive decline.

• Brexpiprazole – People with Alzheimer’s often become agitated, and an antipsychotic medication called brexpiprazole can help manage agitation. However, brexpiprazole is associated with serious risks, and patients must be aware of these risks before starting the drug.

• Antiamyloids – With Alzheimer’s, a substance called amyloid can accumulate within the brain, but antiamyloid drugs help break down this substance.

Alzheimer’s medications are often the most beneficial when prescribed early on and when treating moderate symptoms.