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Dementia Medications

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
  • Initial: Take 5 mg in the morning
  • The doctor may adjust the dose up to 10 mg twice daily depending on the patient’s condition
It can be taken with or without food
  • Headache, dizziness and diarrhea etc.
Donepezil, Aricept® Mild to moderate Take 5 to 10 mg at bedtime May take with food to reduce stomach upset
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite
  • Headache, dizziness, insomnia
Galantamine (Extended-Release Capsule), Reminyl® Mild to moderate Take 8 to 24 mg in the morning May take with breakfast to reduce stomach upset
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite
  • Headache, dizziness, insomnia
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
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite
  • Dizziness and headache

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
  • The patch’s effect lasts for 24 hours. It can also reduce stomach upset compared to taking oral rivastigmine
Refer to the diagram below on how to apply the patch
  • Rash and itchiness
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite
  • Dizziness and headache

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
Learn more about your medications and conditions
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