Memantina versus rivastigmina en el tratamiento de Alzheimer. Revisión sistemática

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, reasoning, and the ability to perform daily activities. Furthermore, it can cause changes in the behavior and identity of individuals who suffer from it. The disease typically progresses gradually and is classified into mild, moderate, and severe stages. Clinical manifestations vary among patients depending on the disease stage. At the brain level, neuronal damage, loss of neuronal connections, and cell death occur. Various studies suggest that this disease develops from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors, as well as lifestyle habits, that affect the brain over time. Therefore, the following research question arises: Which medication is most effective for treating Alzheimer’s disease? Methodology: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Information was collected from scientific databases such as PubMed and ProQuest. The selected articles were evaluated using methodological scales to ensure the quality and currency of the scientific evidence obtained over the past five years. Conclusions: The results show that memantine is primarily used in moderate and severe stages of Alzheimer’s disease, while rivastigmine is used in mild to moderate stages. Both medications are part of the treatment regimen and have different mechanisms of action. It is concluded that the choice of medication depends on the disease stage and the patient’s clinical course, and that no definitive answer exists regarding which is superior.

Keywords: disorder, Alzheimer's disease, memantine, rivastigmine, effectiveness