Therapeutic Approaches to Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive degenerative brain disease that is eventually fatal. As it gradually destroys brain cells, patients experience severe memory and cognitive problems that interfere with work, social life and self care. More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's, and the number is expected to grow. There is no cure, but therapeutic approaches can slow the progression.

Medication

• Doctors typically prescribe medications designed to combat the decline of Alzheimer's patients brain function. Aricept and Namenda are the two most often prescribed Alzheimer's medications. Namenda is the only drug approved to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer's. It works by regulating glutamate in the body, thereby improving the ability to think and perform activities of daily living. Namenda and Aricept are often prescribed together in an effort to slow the downward progression of the disease.

  Aricept is a cholinesterase inhibitor. This drug regulates the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Exelon and Razadyne are two other cholinesterase inhibitors that your doctor may prescribe. Cholinesterase inhibitors have a tendency to cause loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Namenda may increase confusion and cause headache and dizziness.

  Alzheimer's medications need to be taken consistently. Be sure to follow doctor's instructions for dosage and for when to take pills. Organize medications into daily doses in a pill keeper.

Supplements

• Supplements can slow the progression of Alzheimer's. Some supplements and vitamins have undergone clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's with conflicting results. Vitamin E is used by some doctors to treat Alzheimer's. The amount of Vitamin E used in clinical studies is too high to take without medical supervision. Researchers think the vitamin's antioxidant qualities works to delay loss of cognitive function. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and may also reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Omega-3 fatty acids may do this by reducing inflammation and protecting the membranes surrounding nerve cells.

Herbs

• Ginkgo biloba is an herb used to boost memory. It has an effect as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug and also regulates neurotransmitters. This drug is commonly used in Europe to treat neurological conditions. Clinical trials in the United States have not clearly shown that Ginkgo biloba has an effect on Alzheimer's disease.

  Huperzine A is extracted from moss and has an effect much like prescription cholinesterase inhibitors and has shown promising results in clinical trials for the treatment of mild Alzheimer's disease.

  You should let your doctor know what types of herbs and supplements you are taking because you run the risk of serious side effects if you combine certain herbs with prescription cholinesterase inhibitors.