Exelon Patch Uses

The Exelon Patch is used for treating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's dementia. Specifically, the drug is designed to help improve cognitive function and the ability to perform simple daily tasks in people with mild to moderate dementia caused by either disease. While many medicines can be used off-label for treating other conditions, there are currently no universally accepted off-label Exelon Patch uses.

 

An Introduction to Exelon Patch Uses

The Exelon® Patch (rivastigmine patch) is a prescription medication used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. It belongs to a group of medications known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and is approved for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia due to Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.
 

Exelon Patch Uses for Parkinson's Dementia

While most people think of dementia as related to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease can also cause such problems. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that results from the degeneration of neurons in a region of the brain that controls movement. This degeneration creates a shortage of the brain-signaling chemical (neurotransmitter) known as dopamine, causing the movement impairments that are characteristic of the disease. The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is not currently known.
 
Often, one of the first Parkinson's disease symptoms is tremor (trembling or shaking) of a limb, especially when the body is at rest. While most people associate this disease with such physical symptoms, dementia symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease also may occur. The Exelon Patch is approved to treat dementia caused by Parkinson's disease. It will not help with other Parkinson's symptoms, such as trembling or shaking.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;