ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Available Treatments

Medication

There is presently no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are medications that can help slow the progression of the disease and, up to a point, improve cognitive function. The attending physician will provide you with any information you need and prescribe the proper medication after making the diagnosis.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Alzheimer’s disease damages the nerve cells in the brain. Cholinesterase inhibitors may help to preserve the ability of sick nerve endings to transmit the nerve messages to the next cell in the chain. The following medications are cholinesterase inhibitors:

• Aricept™ (also known as donepezil)
• Exelon™ (also know as rivastigmine)
• Reminyl™ (also known as extended release galantamine hydrobromide)

These medications are usually prescribed to people showing mild to moderate symptoms of the disease.

Memantine Hydrochloride

Neurotransmitters send signals between nerve cells. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, the neurotransmitter glutamate leaks out of and is reabsorbed at toxic levels in the nerve cells.

Memantine hydrochloride, known under the trademark of Ebixa®, blocks the reabsorption of glutamate in the brain. It is the first drug treatment approved for people displaying moderate to severe symptoms of the disease.

Strategies and Complementary Healthcare

There is convincing proof that some forms of non-pharmaceutical therapies (such as music therapy, aroma therapy, zootherapy, art therapy, acupuncture and massage therapy) may be beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s disease. 

However, social support for the person with the disease should not be neglected and is considered an important element of treatment.

Caregivers and people living with people with the disease should:

• Provide a calm, stable living environment in the home;
• Supply memory aids;
• Improve communication;
• Make sure that the immediate environment is safe;
• Make sure that the person with Alzheimer’s always has an identity card in his or her pocket, or wears a bracelet indicating his or her condition and phone numbers to call in case the person gets lost (see Safely Home Programme).

Natural Remedies

If you are thinking of using natural remedies, read the following to minimize health risks:

• Do not assume that “natural” means “risk-free”;
• Beware of unconfirmed claims of health benefits;
• Medicinal plants may alter the effects of prescribed drugs. Find out about possible interactions with other medications.

Scientific Research

Many clinical trials testing new drugs and forms of treatment are underway. Researchers are studying various way to:

• Destroy plaques of beta amyloid protein;
• Improve blood circulation;
• Regenerate neurons.

The research programme of the Alzheimer Society aims to promote excellence in research on Alzheimer’s disease. Your donations help to finance vital biomedical and psychosocial research. The research programmes are jointed funded by the Alzheimer Societies throughout Canada.

For additional information: Alzheimer Society of Canada
http://www.alzheimer.ca/english/research/intro.htm

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