Tag: Dementia

Approximately 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia, a figure that underscores the need for expert medical care. Many people experiencing or witnessing cognitive decline for the first time wonder, can a neurologist prescribe medication for dementia, or are other specialists involved? The answer is a definitive yes, and their expertise is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.

In a 2015 review on managing Lewy body dementia, amantadine was not found to be effective for cognitive symptoms. This underscores why the question, 'Is amantadine used for dementia?', does not have a straightforward answer, as its role is limited, controversial, and carries specific risks.

While both drugs belong to the same pharmacological class, **Is amantadine used for Alzheimer's** disease? No, it is not an approved treatment. The confusion often arises because a related medication, memantine, is an established treatment for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease.

First patented in 1966, memantine is a widely used medication, and a common question is, *what's another name for memantine?* This NMDA receptor antagonist is prescribed for moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease to help manage symptoms and improve daily function.

Approximately 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, a condition often associated with a decline in the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Rivastigmine, a medication used to treat dementia in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients, works by compensating for this deficit. The key to understanding its efficacy lies in explaining exactly what is the mode of action of rivastigmine, which centers on its unique dual-inhibition properties.

Research has consistently shown a link between low folate levels and an increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders. Understanding **what does folic acid do to the brain?** reveals its foundational roles in neural development, mood regulation, and cognitive function throughout life.

Recent large-scale research has found there is little evidence that Xanax (alprazolam) or other benzodiazepines increase the risk of developing dementia, challenging previous associations. This updated understanding highlights the crucial difference between the drug's temporary, short-term cognitive side effects and progressive neurodegenerative disease.

According to a 2015 study in *JAMA Internal Medicine*, older adults taking a strong anticholinergic medication daily for more than three years had an increased risk of developing dementia. This finding highlights a critical topic for geriatric health: understanding what are several common drugs linked to dementia and how long-term use can impact cognitive function.

Following its full FDA approval in July 2024, Eli Lilly's Alzheimer's treatment, Kisunla (donanemab), was launched with a list price of $32,000 for a year of treatment. The final cost to patients for this disease-modifying therapy can vary significantly based on treatment duration, insurance coverage, and additional monitoring requirements.

Multiple studies have found that long-term use of anticholinergic drugs, a class that includes oxybutynin, may increase the risk of dementia by as much as 46% compared to non-use [1.2.3]. The question of whether is oxybutynin associated with dementia is a critical concern for many patients, especially older adults.