Unfortunately, there isn’t a medication that will prevent, reverse or stop Mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer’s disease. The medications currently available may slow it for some people for just a few months, but that’s it.
All of the approved medications except Memantine and Aducamb are cholinesterase inhibitors.
Here’s what you need to know about Aricept (Donepezil), Exelon (Rivastigmine) and Razadyne (Galantamine):
- They seek to increase the level of acetylcholine in the brain by inhibiting its breakdown. Acetylcholine is a brain chemical that plays an important role in memory and brain cell communication. People with Alzheimer’s disease have low levels of acetylcholine that continue to decline.
- They do not slow the progression of the disease but may slow the rate of cognitive decline for about six months in some people. As Alzheimer’s progresses, the brain produces less and less acetylcholine, which is why cholinesterase inhibitors eventually lose their effect.
- Potential side effects include trouble sleeping, nausea, nightmares, loss of appetite and muscle cramps.
- Abruptly discontinuing one of these medications after continued use can result in rapid cognitive decline for some people. Do not stop taking this medication without the supervision of your doctor.
- Alzheimer’s Disease Medications Fact Sheet
Considering these facts, if faced with the decision to take one of these medications, my question would be: Is it worth taking?
When my mom started showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s in 2010, I was in favor of anything that might help, even if it was short-term and regardless of potential side effects. That was because of my desperation and fear for her future as well as my lack of knowledge of alternative options. If you or a loved one is taking one of the Alzheimer’s medications, I get it.
Today, over a decade later, I would respond differently because I have more information.
Taking a prescription cholinesterase inhibitor would not be worth it FOR ME. A medication that might work for six months, have unpleasant side effects and interfere with my sleep (which is important for my brain health) would not be my choice. However, there are a few supplements I use, along with diet and lifestyle, to prevent common contributors to Alzheimer’s including:
- Oxidative stress
- Inflammation
- Mitochondrial dysfunction
- Synaptic loss
I even use a supplement that inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine without the side effects of a medication, while also providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
I use organic Ashwagandha in the evening and Bacopa Monnieri in the morning. The link explains the benefits. Bacopa is the herb that acts as a cholinesterase inhibitor.
Read about them and do your own additional research when it comes to making a decision for yourself.
I also use a combination of PQQ, CoQ10 and resveratrol, a plasmalogen precursor that I alternate with Omega 3 in phosopholipid form (my plasmalogen levels are great, and I want to keep them that way) and a NAD precursor supplement along with a few other things.
Supplementation is not a magic bullet, but it also isn’t the maker of expensive urine. It’s an important part of the Bredesen Protocol, and you can see the impact of many supplements we use on your before/after testing.
Taking prescription medication isn’t your only option. Here’s a review that summarizes the effects of 21 nutrients and phytonutrients on cognitive function.
Lab testing to find the metabolic contributors to cognitive decline even before you have symptoms, along with related lifestyle changes, holds a lot of promise and has worked for many people. The same cannot be said for any of the current medications.
There is hope, there’s a lot you can do before and beyond medications that don’t work, and it’s important to start early.
Be proactive.
Angela Chapman is a Bredesen ReCODE Practitioner, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and Functional Health Educator. If you’re searching for practical ways to protect your brain health and avoid Alzheimer’s disease, her Sunday email is a great resource for you.