Alzheimer's Medication: What Works, What Doesn't, and What to Ask Your Doctor

When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's medication, prescribed drugs designed to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. Also known as dementia drugs, these aren't cures—but they can help manage symptoms and give families more time with clarity and calm. Unlike heart pills or blood pressure meds, Alzheimer's treatments don't fix the brain damage. They tweak chemicals in the brain to keep signals working a little longer. That’s it. But for many families, even that small edge makes a difference.

There are two main types of cholinesterase inhibitors, drugs that boost acetylcholine, a brain chemical linked to memory and thinking. Also known as AChE inhibitors, they include donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine. These are usually the first line of treatment for mild to moderate cases. Then there’s memantine, a drug that regulates glutamate, a brain signal that can become toxic in Alzheimer's. It’s often used in moderate to severe stages, sometimes with a cholinesterase inhibitor. Together, they don’t reverse memory loss—but they can delay worsening by months, sometimes over a year.

What you won’t find in these medications is a magic bullet. No drug stops plaques or tangles—the physical signs of Alzheimer's in the brain. That’s why some people see little change, while others feel more alert, less confused, or better able to handle daily tasks. The goal isn’t to restore the past, but to protect the present. And that’s where real value lies.

Side effects matter too. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness—these are common with cholinesterase inhibitors. Memantine can cause headaches or drowsiness. Some people stop taking them because of how they feel, not because they don’t work. That’s why starting low and going slow is standard. It’s not about pushing through discomfort—it’s about finding the right balance.

And let’s be clear: supplements like ginkgo biloba, coconut oil, or omega-3s don’t replace these drugs. No study proves they slow Alzheimer’s progression. Some might help general brain health, but they’re not substitutes. The FDA-approved medications are the only ones with solid, repeatable data behind them.

What’s missing from most conversations? Timing. Starting these drugs early gives the best shot. Waiting until someone can’t remember their own name means you’ve already lost ground. And combining them with lifestyle changes—regular walks, social contact, sleep hygiene—makes the meds work better. It’s not either/or. It’s both.

There’s also the cost. Donepezil generics are cheap. Memantine? Often covered. But newer drugs like lecanemab? That’s a different story—infusions, hospital visits, strict eligibility. Most people won’t qualify, and even if they do, the benefit is small. For now, the old-school pills still do the heavy lifting.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real comparisons: how one Alzheimer's medication stacks up against another, what side effects actually look like in daily life, and when switching makes sense. You’ll see how these drugs interact with blood pressure pills, antidepressants, or even common painkillers. No marketing. No hype. Just what people and doctors are seeing on the ground.