Many treatments are being evaluated, but as of yet, there is no cure. There are
a number of medications currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease. Donepezil (Aricept),
Rivastigmine (Exelon) and Galantamine (Reminyl) are medications which block the
enzyme, acetylcholinesterase, which is one of the enzymes responsible for degrading
acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter in the brain which is crucial
for the formation of memories. Clinical
drug trials with these medications show that cognitive abilities can be
improved over baseline for up to 6-12 months after starting a cholinesterase inhibitor.
These medications have also been shown to improve some of the behaviors associated
with Alzheimer's disease, such as apathy, delusions, and disinhibition. Common side
effects seen with all of the cholinesterase inhibitors include nausea, diarrhea,
and dizziness.
More recently, another medication with a different mechanism of action has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Memantine (Namenda) is a medication which helps improve cognition by blocking the overstimulating effects of excessive glutamate, a mechanism which appears to be a major factor in cell injury and death in Alzheimer's disease. Common side effects seen with memantine include dizziness, confusion and headache. Researchers are also trying to develop other methods of blocking the product of amyloid plaques or enhancing their clearance from the brain.
There are also a number of psychiatric medications which are used to treat the behavioral disturbances which commonly develop in the later stages of Alzheimer's disease such as depression, apathy, aggressive behavior, delusional thinking and disinhibition. Medications used to treat these behavioral and psychiatric symptoms include antidepressants, antipsychotic and mood stabilizing medications.
The informaton on this page is for reference and educational purposes. There is no substitute for seeing your doctor.
News in Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia - Alzheimer's Forum
Visit our Volunteer For A Study page. If you would like to participate in a research study and/or clinical trial, please contact us at 312-908-9023 or by e-mail at CNADC-Admin@northwestern.edu