ALZHEIMER'S: MEDICATIONS
What can be done to treat AD symptoms?
According to the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center, there are currently no medications or treatments that stop the disease. However, there are a few U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs that can be given to people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD). These drugs treat some of the symptoms of AD, and in some cases provide patients with comfort, dignity and independence for a longer period of time.
Treatment for Mild to Moderate AD
ADEAR goes on to say that medications called cholinesterase inhibitors are prescribed for mild to moderate AD. These drugs may help delay or prevent symptoms from becoming worse for a limited time and may help control some behavioral symptoms. The medications include: galantamine, rivastigmine, donepezil and tacrine.
Scientists do not yet fully understand how cholinesterase inhibitors work to treat AD, but current research indicates that they prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical believed to be important for memory and thinking. Unfortunately, as AD progresses, the brain produces less and less acetylcholine; therefore, cholinesterase inhibitors may eventually lose their effect. All of these drugs seem to work in similar ways so switching from one medication to another will not produce better results. However, for some reason, an AD patient may respond better or worse to one particular drug.
Treatment for Moderate to Severe AD
Studies have shown that a medication known as memantine delays the progression of some of the symptoms of moderate to severe AD. In some cases, it may allow patients to maintain certain daily functions a little longer. For example, it may help a patient in the later stages of AD maintain his or her ability to go to the bathroom independently for several more months, a benefit for both patients and caregivers.
Because memantine works very differently from cholinesterase inhibitors, the two types of drugs can be prescribed in combination.
Dosage and Side Effects
Doctors usually start patients at low drug doses and gradually increase the dosage based on how well a patient tolerates the drug. There is some evidence that certain patients may benefit from higher doses of the cholinesterase inhibitor medications. However, the higher the dose, the more likely are side effects, which could include loss of appetite, drowsiness, etc.
Patients may be drug-sensitive in other ways, and they should be monitored when a drug is started. Report any unusual symptoms to the prescribing doctor right away. It is important to follow the doctor's instructions when taking any medication, including vitamins and herbal supplements. Also, let the doctor know before adding or changing any medications.
See Also:
ALZHEIMER'S: CHOOSING A NURSING HOME