How does the Exelon Patch work?
Exelon slows the mental deterioration of people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease. It does this by enhancing nerve cell communications in the brain.
Specifically, Exelon blocks the two enzymes responsible for the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain, which is used by some nerve cells as a means of communication. Exelon can increase the amount of acetylcholine in the brain and therefore improve some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Acetylcholine (ACh) is a ‘messenger’ molecule that transmits information across the brain
- Exelon works by blocking the two enzymes that break down ACh in the brain. The enzymes are called acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE).
- By helping the brain to maintain higher ACh levels, Exelon can help control symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease such as loss of memory, understanding, changes in behaviour, loss of daily living skills.
