There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, although there are various medications available on prescription that can help delay the development of the condition.

Medication that may be prescribed includes:

• donepezil (brand name Aricept),
• rivastigmine (brand name Exelon),
• galantamine (brand name Reminyl), and
• memantine (brand name Ebixa).

You GP may prescribe donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine to treat the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

They work by preventing a chemical breakdown in the brain. When nerve cells are damaged by brain deterioration, they release a chemical called acetylcholine. By preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, brain deterioration is also slowed down.

Memantine can be prescribed when Alzheimer's disease is in a more developed form. It works by blocking chemicals that are often released in large amounts in people with Alzheimer's disease. These chemicals can damage nerve cells and block messages getting to and from the brain.

It is likely that you will be monitored by a specialist if any of these medications are prescribed.

For more information on the treatment of Alzheimer's disease with these medications, go to our page on treating dementia