There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, there are, at present, medical treatments that can delay and manage the development of Alzheimer's symptoms. The judicious use of available Alzheimer's medical treatments can considerably improve quality of life as the disease progresses. Familiarity with available forms of Alzheimer's medical treatments is vital to formulating an effective treatment strategy.
Cognitive Symptoms Medications
Namenda, Reminyl, Exelon, Aricept and Cognex are five medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that specifically treat the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, according to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation. Cognitive symptoms are the Alzheimer's symptoms that affect memory, thinking processes, and linguistic aptitude.
Namenda is a kind of memantine, which is one of the first FDA-approved Alzheimer's medications. Memantines work by shielding brain cells from excessive amounts of glutamate, a neurotransmitter released by Alzheimer's affected brain cells.
Reminyl, Exelon, Aricept and Cognex are cholinesterase inhibitors. Cholinesterase inhibitors slow down the destruction of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter vital to maintaining cognitive functions such as learning and memory, as well as facilitating communication between brain nerve cells, the American Health Assistance Foundation explains.
Antidepressant Medications
Prozac, Celexa, Paxil, Desyrel, and Zoloft are typical antidepressants that are used to address Alzheimer's symptoms that involve depression and agitation, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Ativan and Serax are antidepressants that can target restlessness, verbal outbursts, and restiveness. Alzheimer's may increase susceptibility to heart problems; therefore Alzheimer's patients receiving antidepressant treatment should be constantly monitored in for any adverse reactions to the medications. Antidepressants are generally useful in regulating constant depression and preventing bipolar mood swings brought about by Alzheimer's disease. However, antidepressants need to be taken regularly for about six months in order to ensure efficacy, according to the Alzheimer's Society.
Antipsychotic Medications
Abilify, Seroquel, Clozaril, Haldol, Geodon, Risperdal, and Zyprexa are examples of antipsychotic medications. Antipsychotic medications are used to treat hallucinations, manage anger issues, and delusional behavior caused by Alzheimer's. The use of antipsychotic medications to treat Alzheimer's should be heavily regulated warns the Alzheimer's Association. Strong evidence suggests that antipsychotics may increase the probability of strokes among Alzheimer's patients. Risperdal and Zyprexa have been known to have adverse side effects despite effectiveness according to the Alzheimer's Association. Antipsychotics may reduce aggressive behavior, hallucinations, and delusional behavior after three months of continued use. Alzheimer's patients receiving antipsychotic medications should be monitored and the dosage reduced should adverse side effects develop.
