A GUIDE FOR ALZHEIMER'S CARERS -Treatments Under Investigation

CAUSES AND TREATMENTS
TREATMENTS UNDER INVESTIGATION

Drug therapy

There is currently no known way to arrest or reverse the progress of Alzheimer's Disease. However, two major forms of drug therapy can assist. There are drugs in use which can slow the progression of the disease and improve mental abilities, particularly for those in the early and middle stages of the disease. Medications are also available that can have an effect on the behavioral symptoms that often accompany Alzheimer's Disease, including sleeplessness, wandering, anxiety, agitation and depression. Improving such symptoms can have a major effect on relieving family and caregiver stress. Some symptoms may respond to early treatment when they are caused by specific factors such as medications, alcohol, depression, delirium, heart or lung problems, infection, vision or hearing problems or head injury.

It is important for the prescribing doctor to be aware of the combination of drugs patients are taking - including over the counter medications. Sometimes altering the dose, changing the times when drugs are taken or adjusting the combinations may improve symptoms.

More detailed and up-to date information on the current drugs in use can be obtained from

Mayo Clinic site

Information about drugs and their side effects can be found at

USP search engine for drugs & effects

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Research, including a study using twins, seems to indicate that the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin), naproxen sodium (Aleve) and indomethacin (Indocin) reduced risk of Alzheimer's Disease by 30 to 60 percent. These drugs are normally taken for relief of arthritis. Doctors think brain inflammation occurs as one stage in the development of the disease and that the anti-inflammatory drugs may alleviate this. However, doctors don't recommend taking NSAIDs solely to prevent Alzheimer's Disease, because they can cause gastrointestinal bleeding. Investigators were uncertain why aspirin, which is also an anti-inflammatory drug, and acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is not, had no effect.

Hormone therapy

Alzheimer's Disease in older women may be related to deficiency of the hormone oestrogen. Oestrogen may interact with nerve growth factors and delay the degeneration of neurotransmitters that facilitate memory and learning. Studies show that oestrogen replacement after menopause can reduce a woman's risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease by 30 to 40 percent. A growing body of evidence indicates that oestrogen replacement therapy can improve mental abilities, especially verbal memory, in women who already have Alzheimer's Disease. But because the impact of oestrogen is still not proven, replacement therapy is not recommended solely to prevent Alzheimer's Disease.