Alzheimer's disease can be devastating for the individuals who have it as well as for their families and friends. A diagnosis of Alzheimer's may involve looking at brain scans, assessing behavior, giving psychiatric tests and performing blood tests. Because there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, those diagnosed with the disorder should develop a treatment plan with their doctor to try and slow the progress of the disease and find ways to manage symptoms that will crop up over time.
Disease Management
Managing Alzheimer's disease involves a combination of attempting to treat the underlying disorder as well as addressing the symptoms that stem from the disease, such as agitation, insomnia, depression and hallucinations. Because the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease has not been established, physicians may have to try a few different treatment options before finding one that works for a given patient.
Medications
Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as Aricept, Exelon and Reminyl, block the action of acetylcholinesterase, a molecule that breaks down acetylcholine in the brain and can help those with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Memantine, sold under the brand name Namenda, is a medicine that blocks NMDA receptors to increase glutamate in the brain and can be used for moderate to severe cases of Alzheimer's disease. Antipsychotics and neuroleptics help treat the behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's and antidepressants may be used to counter depression caused by the disease. Other medications used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease include anti-anxiety drugs and sleep aids.
Alternative Treatments
According to the Mayo Clinic, some doctors recommend supplementation with vitamin E or other antioxidants as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease, although this treatment is controversial. The idea behind antioxidant supplementation is that these antioxidants destroy free radicals in the brain, compounds that can damage or destroy normal neurons. Lifestyle changes, such as modifying the home to make things more convenient or less dangerous for the patient and working with a family therapist to help family members better interact with the Alzheimer's-afflicted individual, are also important.
Considerations
When deciding on specific medications or treatments to recommend to a specific patient, doctors consider several issues. The patient's age and severity of the disease upon diagnosis are major factors in determining an appropriate course of treatment. The patient's overall health, expected prognosis for disease progression and individual preferences of the person involved are other considerations when deciding on treatment.
Future
According to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, there are more than 20 different medicines and treatments in clinical trials as of July 2010. The Cleveland Clinic also describes a vaccine for Alzheimer's disease that had too many side effects in the initial clinical trials but is currently being modified to try and reduce those side effects.
