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What are the Different Types of Memory Loss Drugs?

C. Stoliecki
C. Stoliecki

Memory loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including diseases such as Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia and even depression. Each of these conditions affects memory loss in a different way. For instance, Alzheimer’s disease affects short-term memory, and other forms of dementia are known to affect working memory. There are several types of memory loss drugs that are created to treat the many possible causes and varieties of memory loss. These classes of drugs include acetylcholine stimulants, glutamate down regulators, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and dopamine reuptake inhibitors.

Acetylcholine stimulants are one class of memory loss drugs that are used to treat the memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s disease. In general, Alzheimer’s disease has been shown to deplete the natural levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in those affected, resulting in memory loss. By regulating the acetylcholine levels in the brain, these drugs work to slow the progression of the disease. Examples of this class of drugs include donepezil, tacrine and galantamine.

Memory loss can occur if the brain suffers from low levels of dopamine.
Memory loss can occur if the brain suffers from low levels of dopamine.

Another important neurotransmitter is glutamate, a neurotransmitter is integral in protecting neural activity. A class of memory loss drugs known as glutamate down regulators act to stabilize the glutamate levels in the human brain. As a result, they help preserve neurons and stave off memory loss. Drugs in this class are used to treat memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s disease, trauma and stroke. Memantine is one example of a glutamate down regulator.

Acetylcholine stimulants are a class of memory loss drugs that are used to treat memory loss caused by Alzheimer's disease.
Acetylcholine stimulants are a class of memory loss drugs that are used to treat memory loss caused by Alzheimer's disease.

Memory loss stemming from a stroke is often treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Typically used to treat depression and anxiety, these memory loss drugs work by generating fresh neurons in the particular location of the brain where memory loss occurs. One example of a serotonin reuptake inhibitor is escitalopram.

When the human brain suffers from low levels of dopamine, memory loss often occurs. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with low dopamine levels in the brain, and as a result, those with this disorder suffer memory loss in many cases. Dopamine reuptake inhibitors increase the level of dopamine in the brain by preventing the protein that absorbs dopamine from working, leaving higher levels of dopamine in the brain. Methylphenidate is one drug that increases dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, an area known to be associated with memory.

Drugs can help with memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s disease, trauma and stroke.
Drugs can help with memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s disease, trauma and stroke.

Before settling on one class of drug to treat memory loss, one should consult with his or her doctor. Only a medical professional can determine the causes and appropriate method of treatment for those experiencing any type of memory loss. Self-medication of memory loss might not be beneficial and could even be harmful.

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    • Memory loss can occur if the brain suffers from low levels of dopamine.
      By: Alexandr Mitiuc
      Memory loss can occur if the brain suffers from low levels of dopamine.
    • Acetylcholine stimulants are a class of memory loss drugs that are used to treat memory loss caused by Alzheimer's disease.
      By: Robert Kneschke
      Acetylcholine stimulants are a class of memory loss drugs that are used to treat memory loss caused by Alzheimer's disease.
    • Drugs can help with memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s disease, trauma and stroke.
      By: kmiragaya
      Drugs can help with memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s disease, trauma and stroke.
    • Memantine is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe cases of Alzheimer's disease.
      By: rainbow33
      Memantine is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe cases of Alzheimer's disease.
    • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are created to treat the causes and varieties of memory loss.
      By: snyggg.de
      Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are created to treat the causes and varieties of memory loss.
    • A patient should  consult with her doctor before settling on one class of drug to treat memory loss.
      By: krutoeva
      A patient should consult with her doctor before settling on one class of drug to treat memory loss.