The prevalence of dementia is reaching epidemic proportions globally. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the main causes of dementia. In the absence of a causal cure for AD, symptomatic treatment play a key role in management the disease. After proper diagnosis of AD patients should be offered the opportunity to benefit from non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies. Cholinesterase inhibitors (rivastigmine, donepezil, galantamine) and the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonist memantine are currently widely approved for the treatment of AD. These drugs can offer benefits in three main affected areas: activities of daily living, behaviour and cognition. Several guidelines recommend treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors at the time of diagnosis of AD, taking into account expected therapeutic benefits and potential safety issues. These drugs should be used longitudinally withgood tolerated maximum daily dose. Memantine is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe AD. Cholinesterase inhibitors can also delay the onset if the decrease and the severity of behavioural and psychotic symptoms in AD. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of other agents than cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine in the treatment or prevention of AD.