Aricept

How does Aricept help with Alzheimer's?

Aricept prevents Acetylcholine (a chemical in the brain that is important for learning and memory) from being destroyed. This may help brain cells to function better and keep memory longer. It can also help maintain everyday activities like eating, dressing, and handling money and mail. Aricept also improves behavior problems such as:

• Delusions – believing things are real when they are not
• Apathy – loss of interest in usual activities
• Wandering – walking or roaming about, often at night

What is Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer's is an illness that makes it difficult for people to remember, think, and use language. It can make them act strange or seem moody. After a while, people with Alzheimer's have a hard time with everyday things like using the phone, cooking, or handling money. Unfortunately, many people think that early symptoms of Alzheimer's are signs of normal aging. So Alzheimer's often goes undiagnosed and untreated in the disease's early stages. Alzheimer's is more common in older adults and it affects all races. Prevention or cure has yet to be found. But, with medications like Aricept, symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's can be treated.

Why is it better to start treatment early?

People with Alzheimer's who start treatment early with Aricept may keep higher memory and thinking skills longer. Also, treatment may help people keep doing their daily tasks and stay in the community longer.

Can Aricept be taken with other medications?

Of course, many people take more than one medication. So it is always a good idea to check with your doctor about taking other medicines with Aricept. These may include:

• Prescriptions
• Vitamins
• Aspirin
• Cold and allergy medicines
• Home remedies
• Dietary supplements
• Herbal remedies
• Other over-the-counter treatments

How do I know if Aricept is working?

Although Aricept may not work the same for each person, studies have shown that things like memory, thinking, and behavior may:

• Improve
• Get better in small ways or remain the same
• Gets worse over time, but slower than expected
• Continue to get worse, as expected

If symptoms stay the same – or get worse over time but slower than expected – it can still mean Aricept is working.

What are the side effects of Aricept?

Aricept is generally well tolerated but may not be for everyone. For some people side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Restless sleep
• Muscle cramps
• Lack of appetite

If side effects persist or worsen while taking Aricept, please contact your doctor as soon as possible.