How does namenda work?

Are you tired of feeling like none of the medications prescribed by your doctor are making a difference to your health? Well, look no further, because today we’re going to talk about Namenda – one medication that’s known for its effectiveness in treating Alzheimer’s disease.

Before we dive into how Namenda works, let’s first understand what Alzheimer’s disease is and what causes it.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and memory impairment. It affects 5 million people in the United States alone, which is why treatment for this condition has been long sought after.

The most commonly recognized cause of late-onset Alzheimer’s is the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques within brain tissue.

Now, without further ado – let us discuss how Namenda helps treat this degenerative illness!

What Is Namenda?

Namenda (memantine) belongs to a class of medications called NMDA receptor antagonists. Sounds fancy? Well folks, it certainly does feel so!

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDA) are neurotransmitter receptors found on nerve cells all throughout our nervous system. Memantine binds specifically to these receptors allowing for increased communication between them; however it also blocks excessive overstimulation – ultimately slowing down or even reversing neuronal damage seen with chronic neurological diseases such as dementia.

Essentially, when administered in vivo, memantine activates N-methyl-D-aspartate type glutamatergic neurons while disabling excitatory amino-acid gated-ion channel activity triggered by lead ions present in excess levels inside an aging brain – this results in decreased gamma-wave oscillations across board during REM sleep phase degradation secondary effects wherein action potentials fail from vesicle exocytosis instead becoming disinhibited depolarization events via synaptic release brought on by the above mentioned Glutamate receptor activation

Sounds like gibberish? Yes, it certainly does. In layman’s terms though: Namenda works by protecting your brain cells from excessive stimulation which can lead to memory impairment and other cognitive issues.

Mechanism of Action

Now that we understand how Namenda generally affects our brains, it’s time to talk about its specific mechanisms of action!

Namenda reduces abnormal N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) neuron activity by blocking complete but not partial glutamatergic transmission – familiar with these scientific terms yet? Neither are we!

But wait a minute – it gets even crazier. According to one study, overstimulation in Alzheimer’s patients’ NMDA receptors leads to calcium overload causing DNA damage and inflammation resulting in eventual neuronal death.

Namenda prevents this process from taking place by specifically inhibiting neurons involved with learning due particularly low sensitivity levels – this is done without affecting normal NPVs or any dose dependent changes when given intravenously for months at a time.

In simpler words (finally!) Memantine selectively blocks unnecessary signals within various areas such as hippocampus and cortical regions allowing increased signal transduction between them while simultaneously decreasing aberrant firing patterns seen frequently amongst certain types degenerate disorders; all coupled perfectly able maintain physiological function typical limbic network necessary support them during daily activities on top maintaining general cognitive ability overall longevity healthy aging more broadly speaking across person’s lifespan.

To sum up – Namenda essentially helps improve neuronal structure and signaling capabilities, while also preventing their premature breakdown!

How Is It Administered?

Namenda is typically administered orally, either through capsules or an oral solution taken once per day only- adults younger then 56 years old otherwise twice every few hours until symptoms stabilize although patient insistence might be required. Tolerance usually develops quickly though after first administration thereby decreasing desired effectiveness each subsequent usage- causing many patients to seek alternative treatments or lifestyle changes such as dietary regimes or physical activities.

Side Effects

Like any other medication, there are a few side effects of Namenda. Below are some potential downsides that you should be aware of before starting the treatment:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea

A word from us: Though these symptoms may seem overwhelming at first, it’s important to note that they typically subside after a few weeks of taking memantine regularly – so no need to panic!

Who Should Not Take It?

While Namenda is known for its efficacy in treating Alzheimer’s disease many other treatments also exist depending on individual tolerances and preferences- but who shouldn’t take it?

The list includes:

  • Patients with hypersensitive reactions towards namenda.
  • Individuals currently using non-amphetamines psychostimulants such as modafinil (also prescribed mainly for narcolepsy)
  • Pregnant women / nursing mothers

Conclusion

In conclusion – we hope this article has helped clear up any doubts you had about how Namenda works. With lesser glutamatergic signaling intra-synaptic transmission due reduced sensitivity levels seen across board theoretically every brain could benefit from the use thereof affording greater memory recall optimal cognitive functioning enhanced overall longevity relatively quickly post-administration initiation period.

We strongly advise speaking with your healthcare provider before seeking out long-term solutions like medications; getting ample restful sleep providing well rounded nourishing diets supplemented vitamins minerals alongside appropriate stress relievers maintaining regular exercise routines might work better suited towards addressing remedial behavior modifications rather than powerful pharmaceutical substances when trying expedite recovery processes like those seen prevalent amongst dementia related diseases folks!

Random Posts