What treatments are available for Alzheimer's Disease?
People who have been diagnosed with AD usually have the option of taking one of several medications. In general, the drugs used to treat AD fall into two main categories:
Explained simply, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) act to raise the levels of a chemical in the brain (acetylcholine) that is known to be at abnormally low concentrations in the early stages of AD. In contrast, the NMDA receptor antagonists act to protect the brain from over-stimulation by a chemical (glutamate) that can damage and eventually kill brain cells.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
There are currently three main AD drugs in the AChEI class, which have shown efficacy in mild to moderately severe AD. The AChEIs are prescribed to patients for the relief of some early symptoms.
NMDA receptor antagonists
Memantine is the only drug in this class and the only approved treatment for the severe stages of AD. Treatment with memantine has been shown to improve various symptoms of AD related to thought, function and behaviour, even in the advanced stages of AD.
All of these drugs are taken orally as tablets or liquid, and can be easily taken every day at home. However, because the person taking the medication will be suffering from memory problems, it is important that someone else checks that the medication is being taken regularly and according to the doctor’s instructions. Frequently, the person will be started on a low dose of medication, and this will gradually be increased by their doctor until the required dosage is reached. The response to these drugs can vary from person to person. A doctor will monitor the individual’s reaction once they have taken the drug for a few months. If there is no evidence that the drug is helping, the doctor may then recommend that the medication be stopped.
Treating associated symptoms
As well as treating AD itself, other drugs may be prescribed for dealing with specific symptoms of the disease. For example, anxiety and depression can both be managed by medication, and this can lead to an improvement in the patient’s quality of life.
Other non-medical therapies
Substances such as Ginkgo biloba and Vitamin E are the most frequently mentioned natural preparations. Some people may find that such remedies provide benefit. However, it is essential that before taking any substances, all options are discussed with a medical doctor. Other methods can also be used to help with the symptoms of AD. For example, the person’s environment can be made more agreeable (more bright and cheerful, less cluttered or easier to move around) in order to lessen feelings of depression, anxiety or disorientation. Methods of relaxation such as massage may also be beneficial, and something as simple as showing affection can also help to ease stressful times.