Alzheimer's disease is a chronic, progressive and incurable type of dementia. It is thought to be caused by the buildup of abnormally folded proteins in the brain. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, which means that patients with this condition will steadily get worse. There are, however, a number of treatments that can slow the decline and minimize the physical and emotional stress of the condition.
Goals
As the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research explains, there are two main goals that underlie the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The primary one is to slow the gradual decline in cognitive function that Alzheimer's causes. The second is to attempt to manage some of the behavioral problems that people with Alzheimer's often experience.
Symptoms
Alzheimer's disease often first manifests itself as problems with memory. As the Mayo Clinic explains, people with Alzheimer's may forget conversations or events and repeat themselves. As the disease progresses, they may place objects in illogical locations and forget the names of common objects and family members. They can have trouble with tasks that involve abstract thinking or judgment and can become easily confused and disoriented. Patients can also have trouble performing routine tasks and may develop changes in their personality, which can include mood swings, stubbornness, depression, anxiety and agitation.
Pharmacological Treatment
The goal of pharmacological treatment is to slow the progression of the disease. One medication that is commonly prescribed for Alzheimer's disease is called memantine, and it works to slow the death of neurons. Other treatments include cholinesterase inhibitors. Patients with Alzheimer's disease often develop decreased levels of a chemical called acetylcholine in their brain. Cholinesterase inhibitors (including rivastigmine) help raise the levels of this neurotransmitter.
Nondrug Approaches
The Alzheimer's Association notes that there are a number of nondrug approaches that can be used for patients with Alzheimer's disease. Patients often benefit from changes in their living environment that eliminate or reduce obstacles to daily life. Patients also fare better with fewer responsibilities, which minimizes the risk that they could inadvertently harm themselves and allows them to lead a simpler life.
Family Education
It is also important to educate close friends and family members about the condition. The people around an Alzheimer's patient may get frustrated with the problems that the patient develops. Understanding the symptoms of the disease as well as the limitations that the patient faces enables family members to better understand the transition that the patient is experiencing. It also minimizes stress and allows the family to take better care of the patient.
