Galantamine increases the level of acetylcholine in the brain. It does this by preventing the action of acetylcholinesterase, the compound which normally breaks it down. This slows the breakdown of acetylcholine that is released from remaining undamaged nerve cells in the brain. Galantamine also enhances the activity of the acetylcholine in the brain. The overall result of these two actions is an improvement in the levels and activity of acetylcholine in the brain. This improves the cognitive processes of thinking, learning and memory, and improves the symptoms of dementia and daily functioning in Alzheimer’s disease.