Final answer:
Slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, medications include cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil, memantine, and combination therapies such as Namzaric, in addition to behavioral therapies.
Step-by-step explanation:
In treating Alzheimer's disease (AD), there are no medications that can cure the condition, but there are three types of medications commonly used to help slow the progression of the disease:
- Cholinesterase inhibitors: Such as donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne) - work by blocking the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine in the brain, which boosts communication between neurons.
- Memantine: Used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer's by regulating the activity of glutamate, a different neurotransmitter that plays a role in learning and memory.
- Combination therapies: A notable example is Namzaric, which combines donepezil and memantine, targeting multiple aspects of the disease's symptomatology.
These pharmacologic interventions are often accompanied by supportive behavioral therapies and lifestyle adjustments to optimize the patient's quality of life and cognitive function.