Medications that treat underlying disease, cognitive impairment

Written By Rani Bose

Cognitive impairment is when a person has trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating, or making decisions that affect their everyday life. The medications below are currently used to treat cognitive impairment.

Note: All of the medications below are available generic. None of the medications below are recommended for Frontotemporal disorders (FTD).

Donepezil (Aricept®)

Rivastigmine (Exelon®)

Galantamine (Razadyne®)

Memantine (Namenda®)

Aricept, Exelon and Razadyne have the following potential side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, upset stomach, lack of hunger, weight loss or low heart rate. Other less common problems are feeling tired, having trouble sleeping, vivid dreams or muscle cramps.

Namenda’s possible side effects include headache, dizziness, confusion or constipation.

Before starting or stopping medication, please consult with the patient’s health professional. This information is intended to make you aware of potential solutions and challenges with common medications taken for dementia.

Source: J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2007 Mar; 78(3): 233–239

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