Alzheimer's Disease
How is it treated?
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, there are medications available to slow the progression of the disease and research is continuing in hopes to find a cure. Treatment is mainly aimed at alleviating or improving symptoms of the disease.
Since the main symptoms of AD include memory loss, confusion, and cognitive alterations (e.g. impaired reasoning or thinking), medications specifically aimed at improving these symptoms are needed. Cholinesterase inhibitors are commonly prescribed because they have been shown to minimize and stabilize these symptoms of AD. To learn more about these medications, click on the drug class link below.
Other common symptoms of AD include agitation and disruptive behavior. To improve these symptoms, medications such as antidepressants [like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertaline (Zoloft)], sedatives [like lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam (Restoril)], and antipsychotic drugs [like olanzapine (Zyprexa) or risperidone (Risperdal)] may be needed.
Alternative therapies have been studied such as gingko biloba. While a few small studies have shown gingko biloba to help treat AD, more research is needed to substantiate this claim. Plus, herbal supplements are not regulated by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and thus are not put through the rigorous testing that the FDA requires for prescription medications. Given this, much care must be taken when choosing an herbal supplement. This should be discussed with a physician prior to use of the supplement.
Drug classes used to treat Alzheimer's Disease Cholinesterase Inhibitors N-methyl-D-aspartate Antagonists
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How is it treated?
