REMINYL

Hello Dr.,
I'd like to know what the medicine called REMINYL can do for a 77 years old woman diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She cannot remember and recognise her own house anymore and althought her doctor is not very sure, he said she might be in stage 5 of this disease. How much can this medicine do ? Could it hold in place the disease for a while (and how long is this "for a while" ?...) or it is not 100% sure that it might help the pacients after all...
Thank you !

[Neuro Forum]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without the ability to examine you and obtain a history, I can not make specific treatment recommendations. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

The memory disorder in Alzheimer's disease results in part from loss of cells that secrete a specific chemical called acetylcholine. Reminyl and other medications similar to it increase the level of acetylcholine in the brain. These medications do not typically improve memory but, as you suggest, may for a time stabilize the disease, slowing down the progression. This is seen in some but not all people prescribed this drug. The more severe the dementia, the less likely these medications will be helpful. Side effects include most commonly GI side effects such as belly pain, nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. If significant side effects occur on these medications, the risk likely outweights the benefit and the medication should usually be stopped. Discussion of your concerns with your neurologist is recommended.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.