MAIN Health Diseases & Conditions Alzheimer's Disease Treatment

While medical researchers continue to look for a cure, there are drugs currently available that help slow the course of Alzheimer's disease.

There are also complementary physical and nutritional therapies that seem to treat cognitive and behaviorial symptoms associated with Alzheimer's.

The main FDA-approved drugs typically prescribed by doctors is donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon) and galantamine (Razadyne).

All are classified as cholinesterase (KOH-luh-NES-ter-rays) inhibitors which help bolster acetylcholine, the chemical messenger vital to memory and cognitive skills. While nothing can block the brain cell damage associated with Alzheimer's, these drugs help strengthen levels of the chemical messenger and in so doing delay the onset of severe symptoms.

Not all patients see an improvement on these drugs, although the medical establishment continues to battle the disease through active research and ongoing clinical trials.

Meanwhile, anecdotal evidence and limited research studies also point to the beneficial effects of herbal and nutritional supplements that seem to help with memory function as the disease progresses. These include common anti-inflammatory or anti-oxidant supplements currently available over the counter, such as co-enzyme Q10; the herbal supplement gingko biloba and the moss extract Huperzine A (for centuries used in traditional Chinese medicine); and Omega-3 fatty acids, found naturally in oily fish and in supplemental pill form.

Vitamin B12 may also become the the newest weapon in the arsenal against the disease, as new studies reveal a marked decrease in the vitamin among patients who suffer from brain shrinkage or atrophy as they age.

More about Alzheimer's treatment around the Web:

Alzheimer's Treatment Options - Good introduction to standard medicines used in treatments including a discussion on alternative therapies.

Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease - One-stop browsing for information on standard medicines, diet, exercise, complementary therapies, therapeutic activities, clinical trials.

Alzheimer's Disease Medications Fact Sheet - From the National Institute on Aging with an overview of drugs that typically treat mild to moderate or severe AD symptoms, and a table comparing medications by name, type, dosing and side effects.

Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trials - Database of clinical trials now in progress throughout the U.S. and Canada searchable by city, state or province with related news, FAQ and information.

also see -> Dementia | Senior Health

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.