Medication

Medication

There is no cure for dementia. However, some medications have been found to relieve some symptoms for some people for a period of time.

People with Alzheimer's disease have been shown to have a shortage of a brain chemical called ‘acetylcholine.’  Medications called 'cholinesterase inhibitors' or ‘anti-cholinesterases' work by boosting existing supplies of this chemical.  These drugs are traded as:

  • Aricept® (manufactured by Pfizer)
  • Donezil™ (manufactured by Mylan)
  • Rivastigmine (Exelon®), or the Exelon patch, (manufactured by Novartis)
  • Galantamine (Reminyl®).

These medications are mainly helpful for people with mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease.  However, evidence is growing to suggest they may also be useful in other types of dementia. Side effects may include reduced appetite, nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea, fatigue, sleep disturbance, incontinence of urine and slowing of the heart rate.

As of May 2010, New Zealand’s government-run drug buying agency Pharmac decided to fund a 'cholinesterase inhibitor' drug called Donepezil.  For more information, please click here.

However, this subsidy is not available until Donepezil is approved by Medsafe.  In initial media reports, 1 July 2010 was given as the earliest date the subsidy would be put in action.  When more information is forthcoming from Pharmac, we will share it with you on this site.

Currently, monthly prescriptions for cholinesterase inhibitors cost between $70 and $150, depending on pharmacy retail mark up, dosage and the brand of medication prescribed.  Prices vary, so it is advisable to shop around.  Your local Alzheimers New Zealand organisation will be able to help you figure out which pharmacy is the most inexpensive in your region. 

Memantine (Ebixa®) is another drug available in New Zealand, which works in a different way to the other three by preventing excess entry of calcium ions into brain cells. Calcium damages brain cells and prevents them from receiving messages. Memantine is promoted as being effective in more advanced cases of Alzheimer's disease. Side effects may include hallucinations, confusion, dizziness, headaches and tiredness.

Dietary and other lifestyle changes may also improve the course of dementia. Please click here for more information.

For more information about medication, please talk to your local Alzheimers organisation or your GP. You may be able to access a Disability Allowance through Work and Income to help you pay for any medication you need. This allowance is dependent on the weekly household income.

Contact Work and Income New Zealand on 0800 559 009 or visit their website to find out more information.

Media coverage of Pharmac’s decision to subsidise cholinesterase inhibitors for people with dementia

Page updated 23 July 2010

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