The Professional Geriatric Care Manager’s Blog

Alzheimer’s Medications

There are currently four medications that are FDA approved for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease.  These drugs are:

Aricept, Exelon, Namenda, and Razadyne.

The first question that may come to mind when considering the use of one of these medications is, “Which works best?”  The American College of Physicians advises that there is little evidence that one of these drugs works better than the others.  They point out that the real differences between these medications include cost, possible adverse reactions, and how easy it is for the medication to be taken.  If the drug needs to be taken several times a day it may be to complicated or difficult to manage; particulary if the person with the disease has a difficult time taking medications.

So instead of asking, “Which works best”, the care managers at Distinctive Care recommend that the following questions be asked when discussing a medication regime with the physician:

• Which medication will be the safest when taken with the other medications my loved one is taking?
• Which medication has the lowest risks of side effects based on my loved one’s medical status?
• What adverse reactions should I look for at home, what should I notify you about and when should I notify you?
• What form does the medication come in (pill, liquid or skin patch)?  How often shoulf the medication be taken?  When should the medication be taken?  Are there any special instructions I will need to remember, for example should it be taken with food or on an empty stomach?
• How long will it take to know if the medication is working?  If the medication does work might there be a time when it will stop working and it will become necessary to stop taking the medication?
• How much do these medications cost?  Will it be covered by our insurance?  And do not be afraid to ask for samples to see if the medication is effective for your loved one before spending the money to have the prescription filled!

After reviewing these questions with your loved one’s physician you will be better prepared to make a collaborative decision with the physician that is in the best interest of your loved one.

If you would like to find out more about what to ask at a doctor appointment contact us in our Ridgewood, NJ office at 201-587-5283.