In the case of most progressive dementias, including Alzheimer’s, there is no cure and no treatment that slows or stops its progression but there are drug treatments that may temporarily improve symptoms.
Prescription medications to treat Alzheimer’s symptoms in early to moderate stages:
Cholinesterase Inhibitors:-
– Donepezil (Aricept)
– Rivastigmine (Exelon)
– Glantamine (Razadyne)
What they do:
– Prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine – a chemical messenger important for learning and memory.
– Delay worsening of symptoms, for 6-12 months on average for about half the people that take them.
– They are generally well tolerated, though if there are side effects these usually include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and increased bowel movements.
For moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer’s:
– Memantine
This regulates the activity of glutamate – a messenger chemical involved in learning and memory.
It us prescribed to improve memory, attention, reason, language and the ability to perform simple tasks. It can be used alone or with other Alzheimer’s treatments.
Non drug therapy approaches are used to manage symptoms in order to promote physical and emotional comfort. These include:
– re-directing attention (distraction/diversion)
– avoid being confrontational
– monitoring personal comfort (hunger/thirst/temperature etc)
– creating a calm environment
– provision f stimulating activities, as well as adequate rest
– acknowledging, and responding to requests
– provision of a security object
– look for, and act n, the reasons behind the behaviours