|
| Aricept |
|
|
 |
Review
Summary |
There are lots of ways to go when you decide you want to increase brain health, and holistic supplementation has become very popular with consumers. But some individuals need and want a more aggressive approach, especially if they have initial signs of dementia or if they suspect that they may be predisposed to dementia related issues like Alzheimer's disease.
Aricept is a medication that is often prescribed by a healthcare provider to combat the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other similar conditions. While it is popular with doctors and other healthcare providers, many consumers have questions about its viability and side effects, so let’s take a look to see what it has to offer.
|
| Medication at a Glance |
|
Aricept is a medication that is most often prescribed to address Alzheimer's disease, a condition in which dementia plays a huge role in its progression. While many of people consider Alzheimer’s to be a single disease, it is actually a generic term for a variety of brain illnesses in which dementia is the primary symptom. Aricept is not a cure for the group of disorders, but it is used as a way to reduce and keep symptoms like memory loss at bay.
|
| Medication in Focus |
|
Aricept is used to slow dementia, which is the single symptom of Alzheimer's disease that most people are able to identify, but Alzheimer’s is actually a multi spectrum disease that can also reduce neurological function and autonomic functioning, like breathing. Once diagnosed with this disease, individuals and their healthcare providers want to slow down the progression as much as they can, and this is where Aricept is often discussed.
Aricept is used to help the nerve cells that are located in the brain work better, by inhibiting the break down of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, which is linked to most aspects of cognitive function including reasoning, focus, alertness, and of course short and long term memory. Aricept is most often prescribed at the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, because it is used to address mild to moderate dementia rather than severe dementia.
|
| Side Effects |
|
As with any mediation, Aricept has some contraindications and side effects. For instance, it may not be the best medication for individuals with certain heart and health issues, like sick sinus syndrome, a heart rhythm disorder, stomach ulcers, prostate issues, epilepsy and asthma. A healthcare provider will help individuals determine the risks with using this medication.
Aricept has many side effects, and in fact it has too many to outline in their entirety here, but it has been connected with some of the following side effects: black, bloody, or tarry stools; bloody vomit or sputum; urination problems; seizures; GI issues; sleeplessness; appetite issues; muscle cramping; and fatigue. We always suggest checking out the leaflets that come with these mediations to get a better idea of the side effects connected with its use before taking the medication.
|
| Positives |
|
• May help reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
• Monitored by a healthcare provider
|
| Negatives |
|
• Has contraindications
• Has many side effects associated with its use
• Is a prescription medication that must be obtained via a doctor
• Not designed to help with severe dementia
|
| Final Thoughts |
|
Clearly Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that needs aggressive treatment, and for some individuals Aricept is just that. There are actually many different kinds of medications available to us these days to address this issue, which can be quite frightening and confusing. However, while many people may think they have this condition, when people just start seeing changes in our memory, thinking and reasoning, they usually don’t.
But there are things people can do to increase their cognitive function that does not include using pharmaceutical drugs. For instance, Alpha GPC has been used successfully to help the body produce more acetylcholine, the same neurotransmitter that Aricept addresses. Also, high levels of homocysteine have been connected to developing dementia, but Folic Acid, along with Vitamins B6 and B12 has been shown to balance homocysteine levels naturally and effectively.
|
| Our
Editors Choice:
|
Week
of: Tue Jul 27th, 2010 |
|
Neurostin® -
Neurostin™ is a blend of non-prescription ingredients that were carefully formulated to reverse and prevent the depletion of the nutrients your brain needs to perform optimally. This is a very well received product that customers speak highly of. The unique formula of Neurostin™ provides your body with all the necessary building blocks to make choline which is the most vital component needed by the cells that comprise both short and long term memory. The formula has also been proven to produce both oxygen and blood flow to the brain which decrease and reverse the effects of deterioration. Neurostin is one of the few formulas that regulates the levels of homocysteine which is key in preventing both long term memory loss and Alzheimer’s. This is an awesome overall formula that enhances overall brain function, sharpness and clarity Click Here to read our full review. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
