Alzheimer's disease causes a decline in cognitive ability over time and eventually results in the death of the afflicted individual. While there are no cures, medications and alternative remedies may slow the decline of memory loss, delay the onset of dementia, and make the lives of Alzheimer's patients longer and more fulfilling.
Cholinesterase inhibitors
A class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors slow the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, by preventing a molecule called acetylcholinesterase from breaking it down. The drugs Aricept, Exelon, Cognex and Reminyl all belong to this drug class.
Individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease may benefit from the use of cholinesterase inhibitors. Cognex is associated with severe side effects, including liver disease, so it is not often used. Side effects of all cholinesterase inhibitors include fatigue, nausea, insomnia, diarrhea, weight loss and vomiting.
According to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, about 50 percent of people who try cholinesterase inhibitors find them effective.
Memantine
The drug memantine goes by the brand name Namenda and operates by blocking brain receptors for glutamate. Glutamate is important to cognitive function, in learning and in memory, but too much stimulation to the glutamate receptors can cause neuronal cell death.
Memantine is recommended for those with moderate to severe cases of Alzheimer's disease and is not typically used in the early stages. According to the Cleveland Clinic, memantine may work best when used along with a cholinesterase inhibitor. Side effects include dizziness, fatigue, headache and confusion.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants, and in particular vitamin E, are sometimes used to treat Alzheimer's disease. Antioxidants work to destroy dangerous compounds called free radicals within the body. According to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, individuals using vitamin E to treat Alzheimer's take 1,000 IUs twice daily. Treatment with antioxidants remains controversial, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Alternative Treatments
According to the Alzheimer's Association, most herbal and other treatments aimed at slowing the cognitive decline of Alzheimer's disease have not been sufficiently studied. Some are currently under study, such as the moss extract huperzine A, which has shown promise in small-scale trials and is currently being investigated in a large study begun in 2004, sponsored by the National Institute on Aging.
Others, such as ginkgo biloba and coral calcium have been largely discredited in trials to date, although ginkgo remains under investigation as researchers await the results of a long-term follow-up to the original studies. Any use of herbal supplements or other alternative treatment should be discussed with a doctor, since herbal remedies may interact with standard medications and cause undesirable side effects.
