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Memory Loss Medications
Navigating a new diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or another form of dementia can feel like entering a maze without a map. As care specialists, we often see families overwhelmed by the conflicting information surrounding “miracle cures” versus standard NHS treatments.
In the UK, medication is rarely a “cure,” but it can be a vital tool in preserving independence and quality of life for as long as possible.
This guide focuses on the medications currently used within the NHS and the private sector as of 2026, helping you understand which options offer real hope and which require extreme caution.
Proven Treatments: The Gold Standard in NHS Care
The following medications are “symptomatic” treatments. They do not stop the underlying disease, but they help the remaining brain cells communicate more effectively, often resulting in improved alertness and better performance in daily tasks.
Donepezil (Aricept)
Donepezil is usually the first-line treatment offered by the NHS for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. It works by increasing levels of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in the brain essential for memory and learning.
- Best for: Early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s and sometimes mixed dementia.
- How it helps: Can improve concentration, motivation, and the ability to perform daily routines like dressing or cooking.
- Side effects: Common issues include mild nausea, vivid dreams, or a slower heart rate, which usually settle after two weeks.
Memantine (Ebixa)
Unlike other treatments, Memantine is often prescribed for moderate to severe stages of dementia or for those who cannot tolerate first-line drugs. It protects brain cells from excessive levels of glutamate, which can “overload” and damage neurons.
- Best for: Moderate to severe Alzheimer’s or as an “add-on” to Donepezil.
- How it helps: Particularly effective at reducing distressing behavioural symptoms like agitation, aggression, and delusions.
- Key benefit: It is often better tolerated by patients with heart conditions who cannot take other memory medications.
Rivastigmine (Exelon)
This medication is unique because it is the only treatment specifically licensed in the UK for dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease. It is available as both a tablet and a skin patch, which is helpful if the patient has difficulty swallowing.
- Best for: Parkinson’s disease dementia and Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB).
- How it helps: Can significantly reduce visual hallucinations and “fluctuations” in alertness that are common in these conditions.
- Delivery: The 24-hour patch often reduces stomach-related side effects compared to the pill form.
Proceed with Caution: Medications with “Question Marks”
Not every medication marketed for memory is beneficial. In some cases, the risks far outweigh the rewards, or the “breakthroughs” are not yet accessible to the general public.
Lecanemab (Leqembi)
While this is the first “disease-modifying” drug licensed in the UK to clear amyloid plaques from the brain, it is currently not available on the NHS due to high costs and modest benefits.
It requires intensive monitoring and carries a significant risk of brain swelling or small bleeds (ARIA).
- The Reality: It is only available via private clinics for a very specific group of patients in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s.
- The Risk: Requires regular MRI scans to monitor for serious side effects that can be life-threatening if not caught early.
- Family Note: Be wary of expensive “medical tourism” for this drug; the infrastructure for safe monitoring is critical.
Antipsychotics (e.g., Risperidone)
These are often used as a “quick fix” for agitation or “sundowning,” but NHS guidelines state they should only be a last resort.
In elderly patients with dementia, they are linked to an increased risk of stroke and even premature death.
- The Policy: Should only be used for the shortest time possible (maximum 6 weeks) and only if the person is at risk of harming themselves or others.
- The Concern: They can cause “zombie-like” sedation and significantly worsen Parkinson’s symptoms or mobility.
- Recommendation: Always ask for “non-drug interventions” (such as music therapy or sensory engagement) before agreeing to an antipsychotic.
Over-the-Counter Supplements (e.g., Ginkgo Biloba)
High-street “brain boosters” often claim to sharpen memory, but clinical evidence for their effectiveness in treating dementia remains weak.
The NHS does not recommend these as a replacement for prescribed treatments.
- The Evidence: Large-scale trials have shown no significant impact on slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
- Interactions: Supplements like St John’s Wort or high-dose Vitamin E can interfere with blood thinners and other vital medications.
- Cost vs. Benefit: These are often expensive and provide a false sense of security while delaying proven medical interventions.
If you feel that 1st Focus Homecare is a company you can trust, please contact our office on 0131 510 7878, where we can discuss your care needs. If we can help you or your loved one, we can arrange to meet you in person at your home to assess your care needs. Once an agreement is in place with you privately or via the local council, we will build you a care and support plan and agree on a start date.
7 Essential Questions to Ask Your GP
When you attend a medication review or a diagnostic appointment, use this checklist to advocate for your loved one:
- What is the specific goal of this medication?
(Is it for memory, mood, or sleep?) - How will we know if it’s working?
(Ask for a review date—usually 3 to 6 months—to assess progress.) - Does this interact with their current heart or blood pressure meds?
(Dementia drugs can sometimes slow the heart rate.) - Is there a “patch” or liquid version available?
(Essential if your loved one struggles to swallow pills.) - What are the “red flag” side effects we should call you about immediately?
- Could any of their current medications (like bladder or sleep meds) be making their confusion worse?
- Is this a “symptomatic” treatment, or is it intended to slow the disease?
Family Action Plan: Tools for Success
Managing medications is an important task. Use these tools to reduce stress and ensure safety:
- Request a “Dossette Box”:
Ask your local pharmacist to place medications into weekly blister packs. Most pharmacies provide this service free of charge to help prevent missed or double doses. - Maintain a “Symptom Diary”:
Use a simple notebook to track “good days” and “bad days” after starting a new medication. This is far more useful to a GP than general feedback. - The “Brown Bag” Review:
Once a year, place all your loved one’s medications (including vitamins) into a bag and take them to the GP or pharmacist for a full “polypharmacy” review. - Legal Preparation:
If your loved one is still in the early stages, ensure a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for Health and Welfare is in place so you can make medical decisions if they lose capacity later.
Conclusion
1st Focus Care is a private in-home care provider servicing the Edinburgh community and regularly features in the Top 20 of the Homecare.co.uk list of recommended care suppliers.
Our care team provides dignified and supportive care in the home, including support for elderly service users to take their prescribed medications at the right time.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this blog post is not to be construed as medical or medication advice. For any questions relating to medication, always contact your local GP or phone 111 for out-of-hours assistance in the case of a non-life-threatening emergency.
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