The invention provides methods for treating and/or preventing cognitive impairments, dementia, or neurodegenerative diseases and disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in patients by administering therapeutically effective amounts of an AMPA receptor antagonist (e.g., 1,2-dihydropyridine compounds) and therapeutically effective amounts of nootropics (e.g., cholinesterase inhibitors) to patients. The invention also provides combinations, commercial packages, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising therapeutically effective amounts of AMPA receptor antagonists (e.g., 1,2-dihydropyridine compounds) and therapeutically effective amounts nootropics (e.g., cholinesterase inhibitors). The 1,2-dihydropyridine compound may be, for example, 3-(2-cyanophenyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1-phenyl-1,2-dihydropyridin-2-one. The cholinesterase inhibitor may be, for example, donepezil.