According to the Archives of Neurology a new drug, Namenda, slows down the decline of moderate to late stages of Alzheimer’s for at least one year.

The drug is FDA approved and according to Barry Reisberg, M.D. at New York University’s Medical School, Dept. of Psychiatry, Namenda “alleviates some of the cognitive and functional losses associated with the later stages of Alzheimer's.” Participants in the study took a 10 milligram dose twice daily with relatively few side effects. The most common were agitation, insomnia, hallucinations, urinary tract infection, and urinary incontinence.

However, the side-effects are counter-balanced by significant improvement in slowing down mental decline. This medication could prove to be a great boon to patients and their caregivers! Alzheimer’s is caregiver’s disease, too.

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Debbie Mandel, MA is the author of Changing Habits: The Caregivers' Total Workout and Turn On Your Inner Light: Fitness for Body, Mind and Soul, a stress-reduction specialist, motivational speaker, a personal trainer and mind/body lecturer. She is the host of the weekly Turn On Your Inner Light Show on WGBB AM1240 in New York City , produces a weekly wellness newsletter, and has been featured on radio/ TV and print media. To learn more visit: www.turnonyourinnerlight.com