Two drugs, which are said to improve or preserve memory, attention span and thinking ability are available for use in the management of Alzheimer's disease. Exelon (Rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate) and Aricept (donepezil) work to restore a particular chemical in the brain, acetylcholine (pronounced a-set-tile koleen). Acetylcholine plays an important role in many brain functions, but is progressively destroyed in dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.

Therefore, these two drugs are only recommended for use in dementia due to Alzheimer's. However, the benefit gained from the use of these two drugs is modest at best, and they can only be used in the early and middle stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Aricept has a few advantages over Exelon: it only has to be given once a day instead of three to four times a day, and it does not require periodic blood tests to monitor for possible adverse effects on the liver. The main side effects of Aricept are dizziness and mild to moderate gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

The recent addition to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listing of these drugs has removed the high cost experienced in the past by persons wishing to take these medications.

Neither drug cures or reverses Alzheimer's disease. The stage of dementia and progression of the underlying disease process remain unaffected, with mental deterioration continuing even during drug use. Both drugs simply "mask" some of the symptoms for a period of time.