What is a possible side effect of medications used to treat Alzheimer’s disease?

Medications used to treat Alzheimer's disease, such as cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine) and memantine, can lead to gastrointestinal side effects due to their mechanism of action. These medications increase levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which can stimulate the digestive system, potentially resulting in nausea and vomiting.

This side effect is significant because it can impact the patient's willingness to adhere to the medication regimen. Managing these symptoms is crucial in optimizing treatment outcomes, as consistent medication intake is essential for the effectiveness of Alzheimer's disease therapies. Awareness of this side effect can help healthcare providers anticipate and address any issues patients might face when starting these medications.

In contrast, while weight gain, rapid hair growth, and decreased energy levels may be concerns with various medications, they are not commonly associated with those specifically used for Alzheimer's treatment. Thus, they do not reflect the established side effects of this class of drugs.