There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease.

It is managed with medications that have shown, in some studies, to slow the disease process.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Cholinesterase inhibitors are a group of drugs commonly prescribed to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in order to slow the disease.

For individuals with dementia, brain function decreases in part because their brain cells are no longer able to communicate with one another as well as they used to. Cholinesterase inhibitors act to increase levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, a chemical which helps brain cells communicate and work better.

In practical terms, you may find that your loved one may be better able to remember names and details or perform activities with fewer problems.

Aricept

(generic name: donepezil)

Razadyne

(generic name: galatamine)

Exelon

(generic name: rivastigmine)

Cognex

(generic name: tacrine) 

 Less commonly prescribed, Cognex was the first drug in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It was approved by the FDA in 1993 but today it is seldom prescribed due to side effects it may have on the liver.

Namenda

(generic name: memantine)

Approved for use in U.S in 2004. Memantine is a new type of drug that works differently from currently available anti-cholinesterase inhibitors, which are generally only effective in milder forms of the disease.

Memantine has been found to slow deterioration in individuals with moderately severe Alzheimer’s Disease.

There are conflicting reports and views whether any of these drugs are helpful.

Some studies say early use of these medications can delay nursing home placement by 6 months to a year, while other reports say they have no real benefit at all.

My thoughts.

In taking care of the people who use these drugs regularly, when taken off the medication there is an increase in behaviors and a decline in mental function. Not in everyone, it seems to be very individual.

The newest drug, Namenda, is usually taken with the cholinesterase inhibitors (usually Aricept.) Again, in some people I did see an improvement in function, while others had side effects such as agitation and increase in behaviors.

It is all we have for now.

I think, for the most part, family members feel obligated to take any action available to slow the disease process. The medications are very costly.

I would opt for the only available treatment for my loved one in hopes it would slow the process and make their days a little more tolerable.

Nursey