|
Recent research has greatly improved
our knowledge of Alzheimer's disease.
Today there are several treatments
for the disease that were not available
just a short time ago -- treatments
which may help to alleviate some of
the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
The tremendous advances in
Alzheimer research have created
optimism that more and better
treatments are on the horizon.
The information provided here is
a brief overview of the treatments
that are currently available.
Medication
There are several medications available that can help
with symptoms such as decline in memory, language,
thinking abilities and motor skills. Although there is
currently no cure for the disease, those who respond
to medication can experience improvements in their
quality of life that may last for several years. People
respond differently to treatments and not everyone
will respond to these medications.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
In Alzheimer's disease, nerve cells in the brain
become damaged. Cholinesterase inhibitors may help
preserve the ability of damaged nerve endings to
transmit messages from one nerve cell to another.
The following medications are cholinesterase
inhibitors:
- Aricept™ (also known as donepezil)
- Exelon™ (also known as rivastigmine)
- Reminyl™ER (also known as extended release
galantamine hydrobromide)
These treatments may be considered for individuals
whose symptoms are mild to moderate and Aricept
has been approved for treatment of mild, moderate
and advanced Alzheimer's disease. Differences among
these medications may cause an individual to respond
to one but not another. Depending on the medication,
different side-effects may be experienced. These medications may be helpful for two to three years,
possibly longer. Eventually nerve endings degenerate
to the point that medication is no longer helpful.
Memantine Hydrochloride
Neurotransmitters send messages across the
space between nerve cells. As Alzheimer's disease
progresses the neurotransmitter glutamate leaks
out of nerve cells and is re-absorbed at levels that
are toxic to the cell.
Memantine hydrochloride, known by the trade
name Ebixa®, works by blocking the re-absorption
of glutamate into nerve cells. It is the first drug
therapy approved for individuals whose
symptoms are moderate to advanced.
Ongoing research suggests that there may be
greater benefit to using cholinesterase inhibitors
and memantine hydrochloride together. However,
more and larger trials are needed to confirm
these results.
Medications are also available to help manage
symptoms such as sleep disruption. Talk to your
doctor to determine whether other medications
may be helpful for you or the person you are
caring for.
Medications for people diagnosed with
Alzheimer's disease are only available by
prescription to those under the care of a doctor.
Note: In provinces where Alzheimer medications are now covered,
individuals must meet specific clinical criteria for entitlement.
These medications are covered by most private insurance plans.
Complementary and
Alternative Health Care
Complementary and alternative health care
covers a broad range of therapies and healing
practices. Acupuncture, chiropractic and
naturopathy are some of the most familiar forms.
There is good evidence to indicate that some
non-pharmacological therapies (such as music
therapy, aromatherapy, pet therapy, and
massage) may be beneficial to people with
Alzheimer's disease. However, lack of research
prevents us from determining the effectiveness
of many alternative treatments. The Alzheimer
Society is funding projects in these areas in order
to identify beneficial therapies for people with
the disease.
When considering the use of natural health
products, think about the following to minimize
your risk:
- Don't assume "natural" means "safe."
- Be wary of unsubstantiated health-related claims.
- Herbal remedies can change the way
prescription drugs work. Be aware of
interactions with other drugs and tell your
doctor and pharmacist about any herbal
remedies you may be taking.
Clinical Trials
Medications that are anticipated to actually stop
the progression of Alzheimer's disease are
currently in clinical trials and some of these trials
are well advanced. The most promising of these
medications may be approved within the next
five to seven years.
Consult Your Health-
Care Professional
When considering any treatment, it is
important to consult with your doctor or
qualified health-care professional.
When considering using any product,
including a natural health product, consider
and discuss these questions with your
health-care professional.
- What are the potential benefits or
results of taking this product?
- Is this the best product or approach
to achieve those results or are there
better alternatives?
- What is the evidence that supports the
safety and effectiveness of this product?
- What are the risks associated with
taking this product?
Ongoing communication with your healthcare
professional is important to ensure
that the best treatment options are being
considered, to discuss side-effects and other
issues, and to ensure that the treatment is
effective and ppropriate for you or the
person you are caring for.
Additional information
and Resources
Available from your local Alzheimer Society or
on our website:
- Information Sheets on Reminyl™, Exelon™, Aricept™, and Ebixa®: detailed
information on each medication including
possible benefits and side effects.
- Heads Up for Healthier Living: information
on lifestyle choices that can improve the
quality of life for people living with
Alzheimer's disease and may help to slow
the progression of the disease.
- A Report on Alzheimer's Disease and
Current Research written by the scientific
director of the Alzheimer Society of Canada:
extensive information for the general public
on known risk factors, current treatments,
and recent research into new treatments
and the search for a cure.
- First Steps for People Recently Diagnosed With Alzheimer's Disease:
information specifically for individuals with
the disease to help them cope with the
changes they are experiencing, plan for the
future and live life to the fullest. For a copy, contact your local Alzheimer Society or download a copy from this site.
[This information is also available in a brochure from your local Alzheimer Societyor you can download the brochure from this site.]
|
