Medicines Your Doctor May Prescribe

Note: this information is not a substitute for medical advice. These medicines are not appropriate for everyone, and may interact with other medicines or have side effects. Your doctor will be able to determine whether these medicines are right for you.

Treatment often depends on the condition or conditions contributing to your memory loss. If your doctor determines your symptoms are caused by side effects of medicine, poor nutrition or depression, for example, addressing those factors may improve your memory.

Alzheimer's

Two types of medicines are approved for treatment of Alzheimer’s:

Cholinesterase inhibitors

Memantine.

Both types of medicines reduce or delay the symptoms of memory loss and dementia in some patients, but do not stop or reverse any disease which might be causing these symptoms.

So far, studies have not shown that prescription and over-the-counter drugs are useful for treating Alzheimer's. Trials of some cholesterol medicines for treating Alzheimer’s have been disappointing, but others are still being tested. A recent trial found aspirin was not effective for people with Alzheimer’s, and could increase bleeding. It’s unclear whether aspirin is helpful for other kinds of memory loss. Large observational studies have linked regular use of painkillers such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) with lowered risk of Alzheimer’s, but clinical trials have not backed this up.

Other diseases and conditions

In many countries, including the U.S., there are no medicines approved specifically for treatment of vascular dementia, Lewy body dementias or frontotemporal dementias . However, Alzheimer’s medicines are sometimes prescribed for the memory loss symptoms of these disorders.

Vascular dementia

Studies have shown small improvements in memory tests in people with vascular dementia taking drugs used to treat Alzheimer’s. During these studies, “adverse events” [potentially serious unfavorable changes in health] have been higher in people with vascular dementia taking cholinesterase inhibitors than in those taking a placebo.

High blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes are risk factors for stroke. Managing these risk factors to prevent further damage to the brain is an important part of treatment for vascular dementia.

Lewy body dementia

People with Lewy body dementia may react differently to some medicines than people with Alzheimer’s do. They can be particularly sensitive to antipsychotic medicines, some antidepressants, some types of anesthesia used for surgery and some over-the counter medicines. Drugs prescribed to treat one symptom may worsen another. For example, a medicine used to treat movement problems may worsen your memory. A doctor experienced in treating Lewy body dementias can work with your healthcare team to optimize medical care.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Doctors can sometimes treat normal pressure hydrocephalus by surgically implanting a tube to drain excess fluid from the brain.

Psychological symptoms

Some people with memory loss or dementia also experience psychological problems such as feeling depressed, extremely angry, agitated or anxious. Hallucinations and delusions are a less common problem. These psychological problems can be caused by an infection or illness, or may be due to side effects of various medicines. They can also be triggered by something in your routine and surroundings. If eliminating possible causes or triggers doesn’t help, your doctor may consider prescribing antidepressants, antipsychotics or other medicines to lessen these symptoms.