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Treatment Options
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Cholinesterase Inhibitors
In the 1970s, scientists discovered that patients with Alzheimer's disease had decreased levels of acetylcholine, a chemical that acts as a messenger to allow communication between nerve cells. Cholinesterase is an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of acetylcholine. It was theorized that by inhibiting the action of cholinesterase and preventing the destruction of acetylcholine, memory and cognitive function would improve by enabling nerve cells to communicate better. In March 2001, a new cholinesterase inhibitor, Reminyl, was approved for treatment of Alzheimer?s disease, resulting in a total of four agents approved for this treatment. These agents are now considered standard therapy for AD.
Cholinesterase
inhibitors (red) block cholinesterase (green) and subsequently
increase the amount of acetylcholine in the brain.
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Drugs in the class
Rivastigmine Oral Solution (Exelon Oral Solution)
Tacrine (Cognex)
Rivastigmine (Exelon)
Galantamine tablets (Razadyne)
Galantamine Oral Solution (Reminyl Oral Solution)
Galantamine extended-release (Razadyne ER)
Donepezil (Aricept) |
Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.
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