Exelon® (
rivastigmine tartrate) is a prescription medication used to treat
Alzheimer's disease and
Parkinson's disease. It belongs to a group of medications known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and is approved for the treatment of mild to moderate
dementia due to these conditions. This article refers to the oral forms of Exelon (capsules and oral solution). The drug also comes in patch form
(see Exelon Patch for more information).
Exelon Uses for Alzheimer's Dementia
Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia. It can affect cognitive functions such as memory, thought process, and language skills. The cause (or causes) of Alzheimer's disease are not known, and there is currently no cure for it. People sometimes confuse the
early signs of Alzheimer's disease with the normal aging process. Eventually, the condition destroys a person's ability to think, process information, and function.
- Memory loss
- Impaired ability to understand visual information
- Mood swings
- Confusion
- Deterioration of language skills
- Poor judgment
- Restlessness.
The recommended
Alzheimer's treatment varies, depending of the different
stages of Alzheimer's. Medications are usually central to the treatment of Alzheimer's. Exelon has been approved for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The drug is not a cure for Alzheimer's, however, nor does it slow down the progression of the disease or prevent it from occurring. It can, however, help improve memory, attention, reason, language, and the ability to perform simple daily tasks.
