[New anti-AD drugs--their possibilities and issues].

Until 2010, Donepezil, one of choline esterase inhibitors, was solely available for the treatment of AD. At spring 2011, new 3 anti-dementia drugs were launched. These 3 drugs are Galantamine (choline esterase inhibitor), Rivastigmine (choline esterase inhibitor), and Memantine (NMDA antagonist). Galantamine has the indication for mild to moderate AD, and Rivastigmine, which is available only in the patch formulation, also has the indication for mild to moderate AD. However, co-medication of choline esterase inhibitors is not allowed. Memantine has the indication for moderate to severe AD, and can be prescribed with one choline esterase inhibitor. From now on, we have a variety of therapeutic choices including the co-medication, resulting in the therapy best fit to individual AD patients.