http://www.flickr.com/photos/eggybird/82241276/
A great deal of research has been directed at finding ways to reduce the effects or the progression of Alzheimer’s. While some prescription drugs have been found to reduce side effects of the disease, little progress has been in finding drugs that can cure an individual who has Alzheimer’s. Recent reviews of the state of Alzheimer’s research, therefore, suggest more emphasis should be placed on reducing risk factors of Alzheimer’s prior to its onset.
The human brain is made up of billions of neurons that communicate with other neurons as part of the process that allows us to store and communicate information. When an individual has Alzheimer’s however, many neurons stop functioning, lose connections with other neurons, and die because communication, metabolism, and repair are disrupted. Initially, when one acquires the disease neurons that control memory are effected. In later stages of the disease, language and reasoning begin to be effected. Eventually one becomes unresponsive to the outside world.
No treatment has been proven to stop AD. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved four drugs to treat AD. For people with mild or moderate AD, donepezil (Aricept®), rivastigmine (Exelon®), or galantamine (Razadyne®) may help maintain cognitive abilities and help control certain behavioral symptoms for a few months to a few years. Donepezil can be used for severe AD, too. Another drug, memantine (Namenda®), is used to treat moderate to severe AD. However, these drugs don’t stop or reverse AD and appear to help patients only for months to a few years.
These drugs work by regulating neurotransmitters, the chemicals that transmit messages between neurons. They may help maintain thinking, memory, and speaking skills and may help with certain behavioral problems.
Other medicines may ease the behavioral symptoms of AD—sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, anger, and depression. Treating these symptoms often makes patients more comfortable and makes their care easier for caregivers.
In a recent special issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease it was noted that while billions of research dollars have been directed at research on dementia, little benefit has accrued for those diagnosed with the disease. Consequently, it is acknowledged that prevention may be the best option for reducing the number of individuals afflicted with the disease. Modifiable risk factors include type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disorders, cerebrovascular pathology, and obesity. Generally, more than one of these risk factors will contribute to the onset of Alzheimer’s. To reduce the incidence of Alzheimer’s, medical researchers now suggest early intervention of modifiable risk factors.
If you would like to know more about Alzheimer’s, read the National Institute’s Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet.
No related posts.
Randy Ryder is a Professor Emeritus at The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is a publisher of Elder Parent Help.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This disease runs in my family with both my dad and grandfather having it. I fully believe that prevention and early intervention is my best chances at not getting the disease myself. I make a daily effort to participate in intellectual activities, for instance doing simple things like the Sudoku in the newspaper.
David:
Like many predispositions to illnesses, I admire your effort to engage in activities which may slown down the progression of the disease. Likewise, a healthy diet and exercise are recommended.