Alzheimer’s Treatments
Currently there are no cures for Alzheimer’s disease, but there exist a number of medicinal and supplemental treatments that can help with cognitive and behavioral retention. Prescriptions and treatments are designed to slow the degenerative process of Alzheimer’s, but cannot stop it for an extended period of time.
Prescription Options for Alzheimer’s
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved two classes of drugs to treat cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The first of these to be approved were cholinesterase inhibitors. Three types of these drugs are often prescribed: donepezil (Aricept®), rivastigmine (Exelon®), and galantamine (approved in 2001 under the trade name Reminyl® and renamed Razadyne® in 2005). Tacrine (Cognex®) was the first cholinesterase inhibitor approved for treatment of Alzheimer’s but, due to side effects, today is rarely prescribed. These drugs are designed to fight Alzheimer’s by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that is instrumental in memory and cognitive skills. Roughly half of the people who take cholinesterase inhibitors experience moderate improvement in their cognitive Alzheimer symptoms.
In October 2003 the FDA approved Memantine (Namenda®) for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. This drug is classified as uncompetitive low-to-moderate affinity N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, the first Alzheimer drug of its kind approved in the U.S. This drug regulates glutamate, which is a specialized messenger chemical involved in the retrieval, processing and storage of information. Memantine may partially block what are called NMDA receptors from receiving an excess of glutamate, which can over stimulate NMDA receptors by allowing too much calcium into the nerve cells causing them to die.
Another, more accessible treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is Vitamin E. Normal cell functions release a byproduct called “free radical.” These oxygen type molecules can damage cell structures and genetic material through a process called oxidative stress, which may be involved in Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin E supplements help avoid these type of “attacks” because they are antioxidants that brain cells use to strengthen their own natural defense system, which can weaken with age.
Alternative Treatments for Alzheimer’s
There exist a number of alternative treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, but it should be noted that most are speculative and have not been thoroughly researched by the FDA. For instance, two favorable alternative options for combating Alzheimer’s are ginko biloba and huperzine A. Both have been used for centuries in ancient Chinese medicine and are only now being examined by the FDA for their effectiveness in alleviating the cognitive problems of Alzheimer’s. Ginko biloba is said to protect cell membranes and to regulate neurotransmitter function, while huperzine A, a moss extract, has similar properties and comparable results to FDA-approved Alzheimer’s drugs. Another popular alternative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is omega-3 fatty acid, which supporters claim have benefits for the heart and blood vessels; anti-inflammatory effects; and support and protection of nerve cell membranes. But, as with ginko biloba and huperzine A, there are just not enough large scale tests to verify their actual affects on Alzheimer’s.
Phosphatidylserine is a kind of lipid, or fat, which is the primary component of cell membranes of neurons. Experiments with phosphatidylserine hope to strengthen cell membranes and protect cells from the degeneration of Alzheimer’s. The first clinical studies with phosphatidylserine used the brain cells of cows and, though conducted with a small sample of participants, showed promising results with regards to Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, due to the mad cow scare, these investigations were halted in the 1990s. Today, however, they are being reconsidered for further experimentation with Alzheimer’s and scientists are hopeful that they will reach viable results.
Alzheimer’s Care
The most important thing to remember when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is that you have to take care of yourself, too. As Alzheimer’s progresses, it requires more time, patience, energy and finances. Alzheimer’s disease is often called a "family disease" because it affects everyone directly related to the Alzheimer’s victim. Therefore everyone involved needs to be sure and monitor their own well being.
When caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, increasing financial, legal and insurance issues can become taxing. It is therefore recommended to seek professional help to ensure that the Alzheimer’s process doesn’t become overwhelming. When accessing the expenses of Alzheimer’s remember that as the disease gets worse, so do the costs. Consider expenses such as doctor visits, Alzheimer’s medications and the possibility of assisted living. Look at the current sources of income—personal savings, investments, insurance, employee benefits—for you and the person with Alzheimer’s when planning for the future. There also exist governmental finance programs that one can take into account if necessary. Along with financial issues, pursue legal questions as soon as Alzheimer’s is diagnosed. Matters of power of attorney, living will and last will & testament should be addressed as soon as possible. Also, insurance can play a key role in determining the financial burden of Alzheimer’s. While some families prefer private insurance policies, one should still consider all options in order to maximize efficiency. Medicaid, Medicare and Medicare Part D are all viable options for insurance needs.
For a complete listing of caregiver resources, financial aid information and answers to any other Alzheimer’s questions, visit the The American Alzheimer’s Association website. The Alzheimer’s Association, formed in 1979, is the world leader in Alzheimer research and support, and the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer’s. Here you’ll find detailed information on everything from diagnosis to the final stages of Alzheimer’s. They also have helpful resources regarding doctor and personal care, as well as a 24-hour help line so as to make the entire process of Alzheimer’s manageable for patient, family and friends.