Although the therapeutic effects of galantamine and memantine (Namenda) may be modest for many patients, other patients may derive a longer and/or greater degree of benefit. The benefits may extend beyond helping memory and other cognitive functions. For some patients, the benefits include delayed deterioration of “activities of daily living,” delayed emergence of “non-cognitive behavioral symptoms,” and diminished “caregiver burden” (less time per day needed for caretaking). When addressing this concern with families, I ask them what they think the patient’s wishes would be at this stage of illness if he or she were able to make the decision. For some people, withdrawal of supportive treatment might be the appropriate choice. But keep in mind that patients taken off these medications even in a late stage might then deteriorate more quickly.