drug treatment for Alzheimer's


Exploring Drug Treatment for Alzheimer’s

Mike Jerry



Introduction
Although research of drug treatment for Alzheimer's is ongoing, there still isn't any way to stop or reverse the disease. There are two kinds of medications to treat Alzheimer's. One type treats memory problems and the other treats behavioral problems. There is hope in the form of experimental drugs currently being tested to treat the brain disease. These new drugs are aimed at slowing and preventing Alzheimer's. Caregivers need to be aware of potential side effects for each of the medications prescribed. Speaking to a doctor about these health issues is recommended.


Is there such a thing as an effective drug treatment for Alzheimer’s disease? To make that determination we must look at the disease itself. Basically, there are two types of drugs that are used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s: Drugs that treat the cognitive symptoms, such as memory problems or other mental deficits; and drugs that treat the behavioral symptoms, which can be categorized as anti-agitation drugs.

Although the current drug treatments for Alzheimer’s is not all together effective, scientists continue to research new and more advanced treatments to help alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and to help prevent the onset of the disease. These include drugs that help halt or reverse the processes of Alzheimer’s disease. None of the current drugs are able to do this. Also, the current drugs have a sedating effect which scientists are trying to eliminate with the anti-agitation drugs. Some current drugs are: NSAIDs, Naloxone, Rivastigmine, Selegiline, and Tacrine.

What New Drug Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease is Being Tested?

There are many new types of drugs being tested, or are currently going through clinical trials, that are being used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Drugs that are being studied focus on three major areas of treatment: cognitive function; the slowing or delaying of the onset of, or prevention of, Alzheimer’s; and behavioral problems.

The following are some of the new drugs for treatment of Alzheimer’s: Estrogen, Valproate, Huperzine A, Galantamine Hydrobromide, MPC-7869, AAB-001, SB-742457, Namenda, Memantine, Aricept, Donepezil, Rosiglitazone, Lecozotan SR (SRA-333), Interferon Alpha, AVP-923, and Curcumin.

Other Types of Drug Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease

Other drugs used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s are to treat any co-existing medical conditions that may affect the overall health of the Alzheimer’s patient. These can include drugs to treat depression, arthritis pain, urinary infections, or other physical problems. These drugs could be anti-depressants or antibiotics to treat the underlying health problems.

Be sure to carefully watch your loved one, as there are other health problems that can increase the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. So it is important to consult a physician, and always remember that the Alzheimer’s patient may not be able to effectively communicate their health problems. This makes regular visits to a physician an important part of the Alzheimer’s treatment process. The last thing anyone wants is for their loved one to suffer more than they have to.

More Alzheimers Caregiver Information:

Alzheimer’s Support Group: Facing the Disease Together
Factors to Consider in the Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease
Age: The Biggest Risk Factor of Alzheimer’s Disease
Coping With Alzheimer’s Home Care
Alzheimer’s Cure Still Not Found