Specialized Care Near Marymount University
Hello there! As a friendly psychiatrist here in Arlington, VA, I'm excited to help break down some complex medical jargon into simple and understandable language.
So, let's talk about memantine - a medication that can be helpful for people with Alzheimer's disease. One way to think about it is like having your cake and eating it too! Memantine works by blocking certain receptors in the brain, which can help reduce symptoms of Alzheimer's. It's more effective than natural magnesium blocks because it can actually help counteract some of the negative effects of glutamate (a type of chemical messenger) on the brain.
In addition to its main action, memantine also has a few other tricks up its sleeve. It can act as a kind of "magnesium" for certain other receptors in the brain, and it can even help block some serotonin receptors (which is important for emotional regulation).
Now, when we talk about dementia, we often focus on memory loss, but it's not just that! Many people with dementia experience a range of behavioral and emotional symptoms as well. These might include agitation, anxiety, or mood changes. That's why it's so important to treat these symptoms in addition to the memory problems.
At Premier Psychiatry, our goal is to provide comprehensive care for people with dementia - including addressing both cognitive and emotional challenges. And if you have AETNA insurance, we're happy to work with you to make sure you get the care you need.