Other therapies for Alzheimer's disease that work differently than Namenda® (memantine HCl)*, but can be combined with Namenda therapy. AChEIs slow down the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical that helps nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other.6
Alzheimer's disease
A progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of function and death of nerve cells in several areas of the brain, leading to loss of mental functions, such as memory and learning, as well as changes in mood and behavior. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia.32
Acetylcholine
A neurotransmitter thought to play an important role in the transmission of nerve impulses between neurons, acetylcholine is necessary for learning and memory to occur. Decreased levels of acetylcholine are part of the pathology of Alzheimer's disease.32
Calcium
A crucial element introduced to the body through the diet, calcium is essential for a variety of bodily functions, such as neurotransmission, muscle contraction, and proper heart function. In people with Alzheimer's disease, abnormal levels of glutamate lead to a constant influx of calcium into cells. The high concentration of calcium inside neurons damages the cell and can lead to cell death.7
Central nervous system (CNS)
The CNS includes the brain and the spinal cord and is the control network for the entire body. 32
Cholinesterase
An enzyme that splits acetylcholine into acetic acid and choline.32
Dementia
A gradual decline in cognitive abilities, including impairment of memory, thinking, and judgment, as well as the inability to pay attention and learn. Personality may deteriorate. Dementia is not a disease in itself but rather a group of symptoms that may accompany certain diseases or conditions. Symptoms may also include changes in personality, mood, and behavior. Dementia is irreversible when caused by disease or injury but may be reversible when caused by drugs, alcohol, hormone or vitamin imbalances, or depression. 32
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
United States government agency whose mission is to promote, help, and protect the public health by ensuring safe and effective products reach the market in a timely fashion and by monitoring products for continued safety after they are in use.33
Geriatric Psychiatrist
A physician who specializes in psychiatry for aged persons.28
Glutamate
A chemical in the brain that triggers the nervous system's receptors to allow the right amount of calcium to flow into a nerve cell. If there is not enough glutamate, the correct chemical environment is not created in the brain, and information cannot be stored. On the other hand, if too much glutamate is available, too much calcium may be allowed to flow into the nerve cells, and the nerve cells may die. Namenda is believed to regulate the activity of glutamate in the brain.32
The stage of the disease that may last 2 to 4 years or longer. People with mild Alzheimer's disease are usually alert and sociable, but their forgetfulness begins to interfere with daily living.9
Moderate Alzheimer's Disease
Often the longest stage of the disease; deterioration of intellect, logic, behavior, and daily functioning occurs. Most patients are diagnosed in this stage. Adult daycare or assisted home care may become necessary to ensure the individual is safe and can complete common tasks of everyday living.9
Neurologist
A physician who diagnoses and treats disorders of the nervous system.32
Neuron
As the basic cell of the nervous system, it is responsible for controlling the actions of the body by signaling to other neurons.32
Neurotransmitter
Specialized chemical messenger transported between neurons. 32
N–methyl–D–aspartate (NMDA) receptor
A receptor channel located on the surface of nerve cells that is activated when glutamate is present. The activation of the NMDA receptor plays a crucial role in learning and memory.9
Pneumonia
A lung disease that can be caused by a number of different viruses, bacteria, and sometimes fungi.34
Receptor
A site on a nerve cell that receives a specific neurotransmitter; the message receiver.32
Severe Alzheimer's Disease
May last 1 to 3 years or longer. People advancing to this stage usually require 24–hour care and can no longer complete basic self–care tasks, such as washing, eating, and toileting. Individuals are often extremely confused and have lost most of their long–term memory and language skills. 9
Side effect
An undesired effect of a drug treatment that may range in severity from barely noticeable, to uncomfortable, to dangerous. Side effects are usually predictable. 32
Stroke
A stroke is a medical event that occurs when blood is unable to reach the brain (embolism), or when a blood vessel within the brain bursts (aneurysm). As a result, brain tissue surrounding the area where the stroke occurred becomes damaged, and a person may lose the ability to perform certain brain functions. 35
Sundowning
Unsettled behavior evident in the late afternoon or early evening.32
Synapse
The junction between nerve cells where a signal is transmitted from one nerve cell to another, usually by a neurotransmitter.32
