What Alzheimer’s Meds Really Do (and Don’t)

Every caregiver hopes there’s a pill that will bring their loved one back—or at least hold time still.

We felt that too.

If your loved one has Alzheimer’s, you’ve probably heard these two names: Aricept and Namenda. They’re the most commonly prescribed medications for Alzheimer’s—and if you’re like most caregivers, you probably assume they do the heavy lifting to slow the disease.

We wish it were that simple.

We’re sharing this so you know what these medications really do—so you can plan care around them instead of relying on them alone. Talk openly with your Alzie’s neurologist about how these drugs fit into the bigger picture, and don’t be afraid to ask about side effects or newer options.

Most people are surprised to learn these meds were approved over 20 years ago, not five. They’re not the latest treatment, but understanding that helps you make smarter choices and set realistic expectations.

These medications are an important piece of the plan—but they’re not the plan itself. Once you understand what they can and can’t do, it becomes clear why daily habits, routines, and nutrition matter just as much. Medicine manages symptoms; lifestyle strengthens the brain behind them.

Part 1: The Medicine — What Science Can Do

Manages symptoms and buys time.

Knowing exactly what these medications do—and what they don’t—is empowering. It helps you make better decisions, set realistic goals, and create a care plan that truly works. Once you understand their limits, you can see where lifestyle steps in to do the rest.

Alzheimer’s medications fall into two main categories:

Managing symptoms
These include Aricept and Namenda, the two most common. They help with memory, thinking, and day-to-day function—but they do not slow the disease itself.
Slowing progression
These are the newer drugs designed to target the buildup of amyloid in the brain—the sticky protein linked to Alzheimer’s. They may help slow the underlying disease, but they’re still being studied and gradually approved by the FDA. Doctors are learning more about when they’re most effective.

Our mom is on the first kind—the ones that manage symptoms—so that’s what we can speak to personally. These medications are an important part of a care plan, but they shouldn’t be the whole plan.

If you haven’t already, ask your neurologist about the newer treatments that may help slow progression and whether they might be appropriate for your loved one.

Aricept (generic: Donepezil)

FDA approved: 1996

What it does:
Aricept helps brain cells “talk” to each other a little better. It slows the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine, which supports memory and thinking.
For some people, Aricept can slow the decline for a while—think of it like easing your foot off the gas pedal, not hitting the brakes.

What it doesn’t do:
It doesn’t cure Alzheimer’s, stop the disease, or bring back lost memories. Eventually, decline continues, even if a little more slowly.

Side effects:
Often mild but worth watching for—nausea, sleep disruption, or vivid dreams. If your loved one seems more restless at night, talk to the doctor about adjusting the timing or dosage.

Namenda (generic: Memantine)

FDA approved: 2003

When Aricept isn’t enough on its own, doctors often add a second medication called Namenda.

What it does:
Namenda helps protect brain cells from overexcitement caused by a chemical called glutamate. Too much glutamate overstimulates the brain’s “wiring,” damaging connections over time. It acts like a dimmer switch—turning the volume down so brain cells aren’t overwhelmed, helping them survive longer.

Doctors often add Namenda in the mid to later stages, when symptoms begin to advance and daily tasks become harder. When used alone or with Aricept, it can help slow the worsening of symptoms like confusion or agitation.

What it doesn’t do:
It doesn’t stop the disease. It doesn’t repair brain cells or restore memory. The goal is to slow things down, not turn them around.

Side effects:
Dizziness, confusion, headache, and constipation are common. If balance or disorientation worsens, check with the doctor about adjusting the dose or timing.

The Missing Half of the Care Plan

It’s hard to believe, but both drugs were approved more than two decades ago.

Since then, no new medication has become standard treatment for Alzheimer’s. That can feel discouraging—but it also means we now know exactly what to expect, and how to work with these medications instead of waiting for them to do the heavy lifting.

So if you’re sitting in the doctor’s office and these prescriptions come up, know this:

They can help, but they don’t heal.
They can buy time, but not forever.
And sometimes, that extra time—those extra good days—are still worth it.

But medicine can only take you so far. The rest—the energy, strength, and connection that fill those extra days—comes from daily care and love.

Part 2: The Lifestyle — What Love Can Do

Keeps the body strong, the brain fed, and the heart connected.

Think of Alzheimer’s care as a toolbox. Medication is one tool.
The others? They’re in your hands—and often more powerful.

What doctors call non-drug interventions, we call daily habits that keep our mom strong, calm, and connected.

This is where love, consistency, and creativity take the lead. These are the rhythms, routines, and small moments that bring comfort and confidence—the things that shape how well your loved one lives with Alzheimer’s every single day.

What makes a difference

While medication can help slow decline, it’s the daily routines, environment, and lifestyle choices that truly shape how well your loved one lives with Alzheimer’s.

Think of daily care in four simple goals:
1. Feed the brain. 2. Fuel the body. 3. Keep it moving. 4. Stay connected.

Each goal is about prevention—protecting what still works and keeping the brain and body strong.

Prevent the brain from starving

When blood sugar spikes too high—or stays high for too long—glucose can’t reach the brain. The result? The brain runs out of fuel, leading to confusion, fatigue, and mental fog.

The solution: Cut refined sugar to keep fuel steady. Add MCT or coconut oil for ketones—a backup fuel that crosses the blood–brain barrier and helps feed the brain when glucose can’t.

Prevent the body from breaking down

The brain needs steady, nutrient-dense energy to function well. Empty calories and processed foods drain the body, while nutrient-rich meals provide the building blocks for energy, focus, and repair.

The solution: Focus on a high-protein, high-fiber, low-to-no sugar diet with plenty of colorful vegetables, healthy fats, and hydration. Use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for a few weeks to learn how your Alzie’s body reacts to different meals.

Prevent the body from running on empty fuel

Strong legs and a moving body support a strong brain. Physical activity improves blood flow, helps clear toxins, and preserves muscle and balance.

The solution: Add gentle strength exercises, short walks, or chair stands to your daily routine. Prioritize good sleep, hydration, and recovery. Every bit of movement counts—it’s not about workouts; it’s about staying in motion.

Keep the mind connected

Alzheimer’s affects short-term memory first, but procedural and implicit memory systems—routines, habits, emotional memories—still work. These help your Alzie feel safe, capable, and connected.

The solution: Keep routines steady and familiar. Lean on rhythm, music, and sensory cues (like scent or touch) to spark comfort and recognition. Repetition builds confidence. Connection builds calm.

These everyday actions—combined with the right medication plan—can help slow progression more than medicine alone.
So if you take one thing from this post, let it be this:

Medicine can help manage symptoms, but your care plan is what strengthens the body, steadies the mind, and makes each day a little easier.

You can’t stop the clock—but you can fill it with nourishing food, movement, connection, and good days.

And sometimes, that’s the most powerful medicine there is.