Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible neurological brain disorder affecting memory, judgment skills and cognition The disease is the most common form of dementia. It affects about 5.1 million Americans, reports the National Institutes of Health, or NIH. These figures will continue to rise as the baby boomer population ages. Symptoms of the disease often appear after the age of 60, though brain damage causing Alzheimer's may occur as many as 20 years prior to the initial onset of symptoms reports the NIH. There is no cure for the condition. Treatment focuses on maintaining cognitive levels and quality of life as long as possible.
Medication Therapy
According to the National Institutes of Health, there are currently four drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat Alzheimer's. Cholinesterase inhibitors improve the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, reports MayoClinic.com. The three medications falling in this category include donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine. The NIH states that these drugs treat mild and moderate Alzheimer's. The drugs work effectively for a few months to a few years; each case will vary. The MayoClinic.com points out these medications are not for everyone; over half the patients taking cholinesterase inhibitors see no improvement. A variety of side effects are associated with these drugs--another reason some patients stop taking them. The side effects include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Memantine is the first drug to treat moderate and severe stages of Alzheimer's disease, according to the MayoClinic.com. The medication protects brain cells from further damage and deterioration. Still, some side effects are associated with memantine as well. Side effects include dizziness, agitation and delusional behavior.
The NIH states it remains important to understand these drugs will not prevent Alzheimer's disease from progressing. All medications only work effectively for a few years, at most, and will eventually stop working.
Alternative Medicine
A variety of alternative medicines and herbal treatments are thought to help treat Alzheimer's. However, no scientific evidence is available to prove these treatments work, according to the MayoClinic.com. An Alzheimer's patient should always use caution when taking any form of supplement. The MayoClinic.com lists vitamin E therapy as a supplement, which may slow the progression of Alzheimer's. Still, taking large doses of the vitamin increases a person's risk of developing cardiovascular death, according to the MayoClinic.com. Huperzine A is a herbal supplement developed from Chinese club moss. The supplement seems to work similar to the prescription drug class of cholinisterase inhibitors. If taking these prescription drugs, it is not advised to also take the herbal supplement.
Lifestyle Changes
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests lifestyle changes may improve the behavior of an Alzheimer's patient. Caregivers or companions of Alzheimer's patients should take regular walks with the patient to increase communication skills. Regular walks also decreases the risk of wandering, reports the university. Additional lifestyle changes to decrease wandering as well as improve restlessness and negative behavior include playing soft music and engaging in aromatherapy. The university adds pet therapy increases appropriate social behaviors. Massage and physical therapy techniques can help relax patients who easily become frustrated or anxious. The university states hand massages may help to lower anxiety levels as well as increase social interaction.
