Alzheimer's is a progressive type of dementia that impairs memory. Currently, there is no cure for the disease, but research continues to focus on treatment and prevention. Medications to treat Alzheimer's disease are usually prescribed for patients in the early to moderate stages of dementia, as these same medications do not appear to be as effective in individuals with advanced disease.
Types
Cholinesterase inhibitors and glutamate receptor blockers are two common types of drugs used to treat Alzheimer's symptoms. These medications help break down the neurotransmitters, acetylcholine and glutamate--chemicals in the brain that aid in memory and learning. Four name-brand drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. While the drugs Aricept, Exelon, Reminyl and Cognex do not cure the disease, they have seen some success in improving symptoms in individuals in the earlier stages of the disease.
Warning
Eating a diet high in saturated fats, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, asthma and COPD, or epilepsy and other seizure disorders may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Tegretol, atropine, Phenobarbital, Dilantin, fungal antibiotics, aspirin, Lodine and Feldene are just a few of the many medications used to treat other medical conditions that can interact with drugs prescribed to treat Alzheimer's disease. Individuals respond to medications differently, and brain impairments can prevent some drugs from working the way they should. Older people generally tend to have a lower tolerance for certain medications, which is why is important to start with a minimal dosage and increase it gradually to allow the body time to adjust.
Considerations
Take all medications as prescribed by a physician, and only as directed. Doses should not be altered unless by the physician. Medication should be taken every day. A person should not double up on doses if he forgets to take medication, but wait until it is time to take the next dose. Taking more medication than was prescribed can result in serious side effects. If memory problems cause you to forget to take your medication, it may be necessary to have someone monitor it for you. Tell your doctor if you are taking medication for other medical problems, such as heart and lung disease. Let your doctor know if you have a history of seizures, stomach ulcers or fainting spells. Your medications may have to be monitored more closely.
Theories/Speculation
Currently, there is some speculation as to whether drugs called statins, which lower blood cholesterol, might lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease. High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease--other risk factors for Alzheimer's disease--affect blood vessels in the brain, thereby reducing oxygen flow to the brain, damaging nerve cells involved in memory and decision-making. Verbal skills can be affected as well. Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen (e.g., Aleve) that are used to treat pain may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. However, these over-the-counter drugs can interact with other OTCs and prescription medications, increasing the risk of serious side effects, including slowed heart rate and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Effects
Low doses of antipsychotic drugs are used to treat symptoms like agitation and aggression, which frequently present in Alzheimer's patients. Common side effects may include dry mouth, weight gain, headache, dizziness, shakiness and shuffling feet. Similarly, antidepressants may be prescribed to increase energy and improve mood and sleeping habits. Unfortunately, the early symptoms of Alzheimer's are similar to those of depression, making it difficult to tell the difference between dementia and depression. Side effects of antidepressant medications may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and tremors.
Function
Because people with Alzheimer's disease can have difficulty falling asleep, or may wake frequently throughout the night, physicians may choose to prescribe sleep aids for a short time. Nonetheless, many sleep medications are habit-forming and can have serious adverse effects on people with Alzheimer's. In the same way, anti-anxiety drugs are sometimes used to reduce agitation and help treat insomnia in people who suffer from dementia. Again, these drugs can interact with medications used to treat other medical conditions. A physician should carefully review a patient's previous medical history before prescribing any combination of medications to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Misconceptions
It is simply not true that Alzheimer's patients do not feel pain as intensely as other people. However, in many cases, their pain is undertreated. In fact, Alzheimer's patients may actually feel more pain, and for a longer duration. Since a person with Alzheimer's may be unable to communicate pain and discomfort caused by other medical conditions, including arthritis, caregivers need to watch for other signs that a person is experiencing pain. Such signals might include restlessness, pacing, decreased appetite and increased agitation.
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