What does my clinician need to know to prescribe medication for Alzheimer's disease?
facts for health--alzheimer's--frequently asked questionsYour clinician will need to know your family and personal medical and psychiatric histories, other medications you are taking and your current activities. Medication interactions are an important consideration, so be sure to inform your clinician of every medication you take, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. Your activities are important because certain medications may make it harder for you to carry them out safely.
Related QuestionsWhat does my clinician need to know to prescribe medication?
facts for health--posttraumatic stress disorder--faqwith most medications, your clinician will need to know about your family and personal medical history, other medications you are on and your occupation and hobbies. A thorough family history is important in helping select the best medication and dosage level. Medication interactions are an important consideration, so be sure to inform your clinician of every medication you take, including over-the-counter and herbal remedies.
Related QuestionsWhich Alzheimer's disease medication should I start on?
facts for health--alzheimer's--frequently asked questionsThe choice of a specific medication is something for you and your clinician to decide, based on a number of factors. In general, FDA-approved cholinesterase inhibitors are tried first, and more than one of them may be tried before moving to other classes of medications. How much you benefit and how well you tolerate a medication are important in deciding whether to continue that medication or switch to another medication.
Related QuestionsHow should I store Alzheimer's disease medication?
facts for health--alzheimer's--frequently asked questionsKeeping a current week's supply in a plastic container divided into daily compartments can help you remember to take your medication on schedule. The rest should be stored in the original prescription containers, away from sources of heat or moisture and out of contact with direct sunlight. Do not store Alzheimer's disease medication in the bathroom medicine cabinet where heat and moisture may cause it to break down.
Related QuestionsHow long should I take medication for Alzheimer's disease?
facts for health--alzheimer's--frequently asked questionsIf cholinesterase inhibitors have a beneficial effect, they should usually be continued long-term. Unfortunately, when effective cholinesterase inhibitors have been discontinued, the underlying Alzheimer's disease appears to have been smoldering along under the cover of the effective medication. Without that effective medication, rapid deterioration often occurs. Benefits of continued cholinesterase inhibitor treatment have been observed for as long as several years in some patients.
Related QuestionsHow do you know if it is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter - Alzheimer's FA...If you suspect Alzheimer's disease you should contact your physician or call the Alzheimer's Association for a list of diagnostic centers and the brochure "Steps to Getting a Diagnosis."
Related QuestionsIs it dangerous to take other medications with Alzheimer's disease medication?
facts for health--alzheimer's--frequently asked questionsElderly individuals often have medical problems and this is true for most patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Commonly, other medications are being taken and some medication combinations may be dangerous. It is best to ask your doctor for a specific recommendation. Most medications can be taken safely with AD medications. Some, however, may interact with AD medicines in such a way as to cause serious side effects.
Related QuestionsWhat if the Alzheimer's disease medication I am taking doesn't work?
facts for health--alzheimer's--frequently asked questionsIt is important to make sure the dose is adequate and that expectations are realistic. A drug may "work" by stabilizing your condition without any visible improvement. So at least a several month trial at a therapeutic dose is necessary. It is possible that a person who does not respond to one Alzheimer's disease medication may respond to a different medication.
Related QuestionsFAQ's - Alzheimers-MDAlzheimer's disease is a degenerative disorder of the brain that causes progressive deterioration of memory, comprehension, intellectual function and behavior. Eventually, most people with this disease become totally impaired and need constant care.Related Questions
PC(USA) - National Health Ministries: Alzheimer's Disease Fr...Alzheimer's disease is an illness that kills neurons in the brain, robbing people of important functions, including memory and the ability to perform activities of daily living, such as eating, drinking, and grooming. It may also cause apathy and depression and behavioral problems such as wandering. Some 4 million people in the United States are affected by Alzheimer's disease—one in every ten people over 65 and close to half of all people over 85. More women than men are affected.Related Questions
Does everyone who forgets have Alzheimer's disease (AD)?
Wisconsin Comprehensive Memory Program—Frequently Aske...There is no medical treatment currently available to cure or stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Four FDA-approved drugs - tacrine (Cognex®), donepezil (Aricept®), and rivastigmine (Exelon®), and galantamine (Reminyl® or Razadyne®), memantine (Namenda®) - may temporarily relieve some symptoms of the disease and potentially stabilize its progression.
Related QuestionsAre you able to prescribe medication to me if I need it?
Virtual Reality Medical Center - Frequently Asked QuestionsThere is a psychiatrist available at the Los Angeles clinic who can prescribe medication to patients who are pursuing that treatment option. Though the therapists at the other clinics do have doctorates in psychology, they are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication to you. However, the therapists at each clinic have close ties to psychiatrists and internal medicine specialists in the area and can refer you to those professionals should you wish.
Related QuestionsWill the clinician prescribe medication for my pet's behavior problem?
VMTH Clinical ServicesMedications are never the sole answer for an animal's behavior problems. We will prescribe them as an addition to behavior therapy if the doctor determines that it is necessary to treat your pet.
Related QuestionsWhat do we know about Alzheimer's disease and heredity?
Toronto Dementia Network - FAQ HeredityMany studies indicate that people with a relative (parent, brother or sister) with Alzheimer's disease have a greater chance of developing the disease than those with no family history. The more common form of Alzheimer's disease is called Sporadic Alzheimer's disease and accounts for 90 to 95 per cent of all cases. The role of heredity in Sporadic Alzheimer's disease is unclear and continues to be the subject of intense research.
Related QuestionsWhat if the practitioner does not prescribe medication?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - 1st Class CareSince we are paid only COD, if nothing is prescribed, then nothing is delivered and therefore no COD. We will, however, call you and ask that you, in all fairness, send us $30 to cover part of our costs.
Related QuestionsWhat is early stage Alzheimer's disease?
facts for health--alzheimer's--frequently asked questionsIn its mild or early stage, Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be overlooked both by individuals developing AD and by those around them. Lack of awareness may be an early AD symptom, although some are keenly aware of diminished memory and thinking abilities. Family and friends may ignore early symptoms hoping they will not progress or because they think nothing can be done to treat AD.
Related QuestionsWhat is middle stage Alzheimer's disease?
facts for health--alzheimer's--frequently asked questionsMiddle stage or moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves a worsening of the symptoms of early AD, the appearance of new symptoms or both. Obvious impairment of comprehension and judgment often emerge. Dangerous behaviors (e.g., auto accidents if the person is still driving, physical aggressiveness, forgetting to turn off appliances or take medications) make it clear that something is seriously wrong.
Related QuestionsWhat is late stage Alzheimer's disease?
facts for health--alzheimer's--frequently asked questionsThe late stage or severe Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves further progression of the signs and symptoms of early and middle stage AD. It is important to search for correctable conditions, especially when a change is sudden. As severity increases, the person with AD can no longer provide self-care, often requiring help with personal activities of daily living such as dressing, eating and going to the bathroom. Memory is very poor or gone altogether.
Related QuestionsHow do medications work in Alzheimer's disease?
facts for health--alzheimer's--frequently asked questionsCholinesterase inhibitors slow the breakdown of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter involved in thinking and memory. Alzheimer's disease causes several brain abnormalities. One of them is a progressive decrease in the acetylcholine neurotransmitter (brain messenger) system functioning. It's as though an engine — in this case the brain - is being starved of fuel and not firing all cylinders. Cholinesterase inhibitors increase acetylcholine and permit more neurotransmission.
Related QuestionsIS THIS A TEST FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?
TTUHSC :: School of Medicine : Department of Neuropsychiatry...No. There is no test for Alzheimer's disease. When the genes that cause Alzheimer's disease are identified, then a test can be devised.
Related QuestionsIs there anything a person can do or take to prevent Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter - Alzheimer's FA...Currently, no medications exist to prevent Alzheimer's disease. Potential risk factors being studied are low levels of education, head injury, and high blood pressure. Recent studies show that higher education levels and a reduced risk of head injury may make Alzheimer's disease less likely.
Related QuestionsMy mother has Alzheimer's disease. Will I get it?
Frequently asked questions - Alzheimer's Disease Internation...There are a few very rare cases where Alzheimer's disease does run in families. In these cases there is a direct link between an inherited mutation in one gene and the onset of the disease. These tend to be cases of 'early onset' Alzheimer's disease, which affects those under the age of 65. In these cases, the probability that close family members (brothers, sisters and children) will develop Alzheimer's disease is one in two.
Related QuestionsAre there any drug treatments for Alzheimer's disease?
Frequently asked questions - Alzheimer's Disease Internation...Although there are no drugs that can cure Alzheimer's disease, there are a number of drug treatments that can help some people with Alzheimer's disease. The currently available treatments can slow down the progression of the disease in some cases for periods between 6 and 18 months. The main class of such compounds is the cholinesterase inhibitors. Other kinds of drugs are sometimes useful for controlling some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, such as sleeplessness and agitation.
Related QuestionsCan Alzheimer's disease be prevented?
Frequently asked questions - Alzheimer's Disease Internation...Not enough is known about the causes of Alzheimer's disease for any specific preventative measures to be recommended. Although Alzheimer's disease is more common with increasing age, the trigger for the characteristic changes that occur in the brain tissue of people with Alzheimer's disease is not known. Even though these brain changes are associated with ageing, these are not a normal part of the ageing process.
Related QuestionsWho gets Alzheimer's disease? Does it run in families?
AlzcareNo one knows exactly what causes Alzheimer's disease. Scientists do know that it sometimes runs in families. People who have a brother, sister or a parent with Alzheimer's disease are more likely to develop the disease themselves.
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