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Alzheimer’s has no cure therefore medications and other aids such as special diets and exercises only work at relieving the patient of distress.
Treatment for the disease varies from patient to patient according to certain factors of which are the age, health and medical history of the patient, the length of time the disease has been active, the reaction of the patient to certain medications, anticipation of the trend the disease would take and the choices of the patient or his caregiver.
The primary drugs used in treating alzheimer’s disease are aricept, cognex, exelon and razadyne (all of which are cholinesterase inhibitors) and namenda.
Cholinesterase inhibitors act by controlling the collapse of acetylcholine a chemical found in the brain that is essential for the functions of memory and learning. Moreover, they could augment the level of acetylcholine in the brain as well as lessen the growth of symptoms for a limited time of about 6 to 12 years. This particular action could work out for about half of the patients suffering from the disease.
Amongst all the inhibitors, aricept is known to be the only drug that has been recognized by the food and drug administration of the united states in having the capacity to cater for all stages of the disease. It comes in the form of tablet for human consumption and one could either swallow it with water or let in break up in the mouth. Do not chew.
Exelon is also recognized by the fda in treating the early to moderate symptoms of the disease. It comes in capsules, fluid form and as a skin patch, a medicated pad that is placed over and attached to the skin in order that a specific amount of a drug or medicine is absorbed by the skin into the blood stream.
Although cognex is another approved drug of the fda, its use cognex has diminished as compared to the other inhibitors in addition to other drugs. On a negative note using cognex could cause damage to the liver. This requires a patient undergo tests on the liver to ascertain its reaction to the drug before continuing usage.
The last of the inhibitors razadyne which was previously called reminyl is recognized for treating mild to moderate alzheimer’s symptoms. It could be ingested as a fluid, a tablet or a capsule. However, just like cognex it its has side-effects which unlike cognex are normally not severe. Examples are vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, lacking the desire to eat and obviously weight loss.
Namenda is a drug that works best by combining it with the inhibitors. It acts by regulating the function of glutamate, a chemical in the body that aids in learning and memory since brain cells of persons suffering alzheimer’s disease produce excess glutamate. Namenda exhibits some side-effects such as constipation, headache, tiredness and dizziness.
Diet must include folic acid (5mg daily), lots of fiber, calcium (1500mg daily), vitamin e (400-800 iu), coenzyme (200mg daily) and vitamin A.
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