Currently, there are no medications that cure or prevent dementia. However, medications may help slow cognitive and functional decline and manage symptoms related to dementia. As people with dementia may be taking numerous medications, it is helpful for caregivers to be aware of issues that can arise from polypharmacy and how well the people with dementia adheres to taking medications as prescribed.
This resource is for general reference only. If you have any inquiries or medication-related questions, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Medications
Based on the patient’s condition, the doctor may prescribe medications for dementia. It is important to know that it generally takes several weeks of continuous use of the medication to start to see the beneficial effects.
Oral Medications
| Medication | Severity of Dementia | Common Dosage | How to Use | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memantine, Ebixa® | Moderate to severe |
| It can be taken with or without food |
|
| Donepezil, Aricept® | Mild to moderate | Take 5 to 10 mg at bedtime | May take with food to reduce stomach upset |
|
| Galantamine (Extended-Release Capsule), Reminyl® | Mild to moderate | Take 8 to 24 mg in the morning | May take with breakfast to reduce stomach upset |
|
| Rivastigmine, Exelon® | Mild to moderate | Take 1.5 mg twice daily (Maximum total dose is 12 mg per day) | Take with meal and swallow the whole capsule |
|
Skin Patch
| Medication | Severity of Dementia | Common Dosage | How to Use | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivastigmine Patch, Exelon® Patch | Mild to moderate | Apply one patch (4.6 or 9.5 mg) to the skin every 24 hours after removing used patch
| Refer to the diagram below on how to apply the patch |
|
How to Apply Rivastigmine Patch?
- The old patch should be removed before applying a new patch to another area of skin
- Do not apply a new patch to the same area of skin for at least 2 weeks
- Apply the patch to a clean, dry, hairless area such as back, upper arm or chest
- Do not cut the patch
- Apply a new patch immediately if the existing patch falls off
How many medications are you taking?
People with dementia may be taking numerous medications to manage various chronic conditions. If you are taking 5 or more medications regularly, this is considered polypharmacy
This is important because polypharmacy can lead to various issues, such as
- Side effects
- Unintentional use of unnecessary medications
- Drug interactions between dementia medications and other medications
How can I minimize these issues associated with polypharmacy?
- Prepare an accurate list of medications that you are taking and show this to your healthcare provider during consultation
- Consult your healthcare provider to complete a detailed medication review
- Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking over-the-counter medicines, supplements, complementary or Chinese medicines
- Check your medication supply regularly and properly dispose medications that have been stopped by your doctor or that are expired
Do you have trouble taking your medications as directed?
It is important to take medications at the dose and time directed by your doctor for optimal management of your condition and to achieve the best therapeutic effect
Reasons why it may be hard to take medications as prescribed
Personal Factors
- Patients may feel that their opinions and concerns regarding their own medications are neglected
- Patients may not fully understand their medications and therapeutic effect
Physical or Cognitive Limitations
- Patients may forget to take their medications
- Patients may have difficulty swallowing medications
Complexity of Medication Regimen
- Medication instructions may be complicated or conflict with the patient’s daily habits
- Patient may experience undesirable side effects
How can I improve my medication adherence?
Seek methods to help you take medications as directed
- Create a routine for taking medications that fits with your daily activities
- Set reminders for taking your medications with your phone
Assess your medications for issues related to polypharmacy
- Consult your community and hospital pharmacists
Acknowledgement and joint production: Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong
