Alzheimer’s treatment is getting better in 2023. However, there is still a long way to go for a cure.
Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating neurodegenerative condition. It currently affects over 55 million people worldwide.
Alzheimer’s results in progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, and impaired daily functioning. While there is no cure, several FDA-approved medications are available to help manage its symptoms.
We will discuss the two main types of drugs – cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. We will also explore other promising therapeutic options for treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer's Treatment - Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Cholinesterase inhibitors are one of the primary medications used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. These drugs work by slowing down the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for learning and memory.
By preserving acetylcholine levels, cholinesterase inhibitors can help improve cognitive function and alleviate some behavioral symptoms in people with Alzheimer’s.
There are three FDA-approved cholinesterase inhibitors available for Alzheimer’s treatment:
Donepezil (Aricept): Approved for all stages of Alzheimer’s disease, donepezil is the most widely prescribed cholinesterase inhibitor (National Institute on Aging, 2021).
Rivastigmine (Exelon): Approved for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, rivastigmine is available in oral and transdermal patch forms.
Galantamine (Razadyne): Also approved for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, galantamine can help improve cognitive function and daily living activities.
While cholinesterase inhibitors can provide symptomatic relief for some patients, they do not cure Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, these medications may have side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness.
Healthcare providers must monitor patients closely and adjust dosages to minimize adverse effects.
Memantine
Memantine is a different type of drug used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine works by blocking the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.
By regulating glutamate, memantine helps reduce the damage in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine is used to treat moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease and is often combined with a cholinesterase inhibitor.
Aducanumab and Lecanemab
Aducanumab and Lecanemab are both monoclonal antibodies. These drugs target and reduce the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques in the brain, which seem to contribute to the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Aducanumab is an antibody therapy that targets the amyloid beta protein, which accumulates in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. The drug was studied in people with early Alzheimer’s disease and aimed to slow the progression of the disease. Doctors give Aducanumab through an intravenous infusion. The FDA recently approved the drug for people with mild symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Lecanemab is administered intravenously every two weeks and works by removing a sticky protein from the brain that might cause Alzheimer’s disease to advance. Lecanemab is not a cure, but it is an approved treatment that addresses the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s and changes the course of the disease in a significant way.
Alzheimer's Treatment – Conclusion
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients. In addition, drugs such as Aducanumab and Lecanemab can also help manage symptoms.
Healthcare providers and caregivers need to work together to provide comprehensive care for Alzheimer’s disease patients and residents that includes medication management, therapy, and support.
However, it is also essential to understand that these medications are not a cure and may have side effects. Therefore, scientists need ongoing research and development of new treatments to continue to improve care for Alzheimer’s disease patients.
For additional information about seniors with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia, contact Applewood Our House today.
