Medications for dementia are most often used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Some of these medications also have other uses, such as treating Parkinson's-related dementia symptoms. They work by either regulating neurotransmitters in the brain or protecting brain cells from further damage. Common classes include cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. Cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil (Aricept, Adlarity) are usually taken as oral pills or applied as patches. NMDA receptor antagonists, such as memantine (Namenda), are oral products that come in both immediate- and extended-release forms.
