However, some research seems to indicate that people whose dementia medications were discontinued declined in cognition and behavior more quickly. Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved The decision to continue or stop medication in Alzheimer's disease should be one that is based on each individual's preferences and functioning. There can be a range of results after medications for dementia have been discontinued. Cholinesterase (ko-lin-ES-tur-ays) inhibitors boost the amount of acetylcholine available to nerve cells by preventing its breakdown in the brain.Cholinesterase inhibitors can't reverse Alzheimer's disease or stop the destruction of nerve cells.

There are two types of medications prescribed to treat Alzheimer's disease. Is There a Time to Stop Dementia-Specific Medication?Neurodegenerative Disease Management.

The researchers found that those whose medications were discontinued experienced more Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Donepezil (Aricept) is approved to treat all stages of the disease.

"Is there anything going on in this life that is good and might be missed if the medication is stopped?" (Dr. Gene Lammers) Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations.Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.Alzheimer's still has no cure, but two types of drugs can help manage symptoms of the disease.Learning you have Alzheimer's disease can be devastating.

-A 24-week study showed that patients who took Aricept showed significant improvement when compared to a control group that took a placebo.

Of course, these decisions are made in partnership with his physician, but after the doctor provides the rationale for their recommendations, she will probably ask you for your opinion.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Continue to take donepezil even if you feel well. When it comes to Alzheimer's, the MIND diet has shown promise in reducing risk and promoting brain health.

Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, is an award-winning, board-certified physician-scientist and clinical development specialist. These medications eventually lose effectiveness because dwindling brain cells produce less acetylcholine as the disease progresses.Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

However, you can't know if your symptoms might be more severe without your medication.Talk to your doctor before stopping an Alzheimer's drug, and let your doctor know if your condition worsens after you stop.Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. These adverse events are often of mild intensity and transient, resolving during continued ARICEPT treatment without the need for dose modification. Sign up for our Alzheimer’s and Dementia Newsletter and get your free recipe guide today.Daiello LA, Ott BR, Lapane KL, Reinert SE, Machan JT, Dore DD. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of donepezil and increase your dose after 4 to 6 weeks.

Read our Esther Heerema, MSW, shares practical tips gained from working with hundreds of people whose lives are touched by Alzheimer's disease and other kinds of dementia.

One physician proposed the following question when considering whether or not to discontinue medication for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: Medications should be discontinued gradually and one at a time. If you're taking an Alzheimer's drug, ongoing review of your care plan will include working with your doctor to decide how long you should continue your medication.Because the effects of Alzheimer's drugs are usually modest, it might be difficult to tell if the drugs are working. First, acknowledge that this can be a stressful decision to make. Daiello LA, Ott BR, Lapane KL, Reinert SE, Machan JT, Dore DD.

Do not stop taking donepezil without talking to your doctor.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. So, what to do? Over time, their effects wear off.Research into more-effective Alzheimer's drugs is ongoing.

1.3 (June 2011): p191.

And second, learn all you can about what research has demonstrated about this decision. Working with your health care team can help you find the best strategies to manage your symptoms and prolong your independence.Alzheimer's drugs might be one strategy to help you temporarily manage memory loss, thinking and reasoning problems, and day-to-day function. There can be a range of results after medications for dementia have been discontinued.   At times, there has been a decline in functioning as described above after discontinuing the medications, and there have also been other situations where there was very little change, if any, after medications for dementia were discontinued. Unfortunately, Alzheimer's drugs don't work for everyone, and they can't cure the disease or stop its progression.

The Alzheimer’s drug Aricept helps people with early to moderate signs of the disease maintain a higher level of function, but just how long the drug continues working is not understood. Aricept [donepezil hydrochloride] The most common adverse events.These include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, vomiting, muscle cramp, fatigue and anorexia.

Make an Educated Decision . Galantamine (Razadyne) is approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's.