In the Alzheimer's case, memantine is added to donepezil therapy when the disease progresses to which stage?

In the Alzheimer's case, memantine is added to donepezil therapy when the disease progresses to which stage?

• A. Moderate
• B. Mild
• C. Severe
• D. Preclinical

Answer: (A)

Memantine is added when Alzheimer's disease progresses to a more advanced stage, specifically the moderate stage, because it helps beyond what a cholinesterase inhibitor like donepezil provides. Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that reduces glutamatergic excitotoxicity, which becomes more evident as the disease worsens. In mild or preclinical stages, memantine isn’t routinely needed or effective, and the condition in preclinical stages isn’t symptomatic yet. While memantine can be used into severe disease, the usual point to start the combination is once the patient reaches moderate Alzheimer's.

Memantine is added when Alzheimer's disease progresses to a more advanced stage, specifically the moderate stage, because it helps beyond what a cholinesterase inhibitor like donepezil provides. Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that reduces glutamatergic excitotoxicity, which becomes more evident as the disease worsens. In mild or preclinical stages, memantine isn’t routinely needed or effective, and the condition in preclinical stages isn’t symptomatic yet. While memantine can be used into severe disease, the usual point to start the combination is once the patient reaches moderate Alzheimer's.