Ritalin is a stimulant that is used as treatment for two illnesses, narcolepsy and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. For most people, it is stimulating. That means it boosts energy and it makes it more difficult to sleep. Because it is stimulating, it often increases anxiety and can be stimulating to the extent that it can lead to hallucinations.

Ritalin has been used as a treatment for depression, though there remains controversy about its effectiveness. Some clinicians believe it can be especially useful for people who have medical illnesses, because if it helps it exerts its effects quickly. Antidepressants take at least a week or two before they begin to improve mood. Ritalin's effect can be experienced within a day or two. Many believe that if does help depression, the effects are temporary, and it is primarily useful as a way to temporarily improve mood and energy.

There are a number of risks to using Ritalin in someone with Alzheimer's Disease, particularly someone with significant anxiety. It is very likely to make the anxiety worse. Furthermore, it may interfere with both sleep and appetite, two common problems people with Alzheimer's Disease experience. There is also the risk of triggering psychotic symptoms, another common problem for people with this disease.

I would suggest speaking frankly with the clinician who may be suggesting the use of this medication. If it is going to be used, I would strongly suggest the effects be followed very closely.