Treating Alzheimer's Disease
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Video Description:Although there is no cure for the degenerative brain disorder known as Alzheimer's, the good news is that modern medicine can help slow the disease's progression.
Transcript:The memory loss typical of Alzheimer’s disease can be devastating, both to the individuals affected and to their family and friends. Luckily, some treatments may help. Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder of the elderly that currently has no cure. Still, medication options and non-drug treatment strategies can help patients and their families deal with its symptoms and consequences. Until recently, the only FDA-approved Alzheimer’s drugs were the cholinesterase inhibitors. Today, these medications are marketed under the brand names Aricept, Exelon and Razadyne. Cholinesterase inhibitors prevent the breakdown of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is important in the memory and thinking process. Unfortunately, cholinesterase inhibitors only work in about half of the people who try them, and they may lose their effectiveness as Alzheimer’s disease progresses. In addition, these medications can have significant side effects, including diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Several years ago, a new drug called memantine, sold under the brand name Namenda, was approved to treat moderate to severe cases of Alzheimer’s. Memantine is a drug that protects the brain from overexposure to glutamate, a normal neurotransmitter that, in excess, contributes to the death of brain cells in people with Alzheimer’s. The medication’s most common side effect is dizziness, although it can also increase agitation and delusional behavior in some patients. While treating Alzheimer’s disease is important, it can also be beneficial to treat its symptoms. Patients in all stages of Alzheimer’s may experience psychiatric symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, agitation, irritability, and hallucinations. Generally, these behaviors are managed by identifying the behavior and its cause and then adapting the patient’s environment to improve the situation. Often, the trigger for these symptoms is a change in the person’s environment, such as hospitalization or travel. Treatment usually focuses on redirecting the patient’s attention, often by simplifying routines or allowing rest between stimulating events. However, if behavioral symptoms persist, a doctor may prescribe medication to treat a patient’s particular symptoms. Some common ailments that doctors medicate for include… General blue moods and irritability, which are treated with antidepressants, like Prozac or Zoloft…. Anxiety, restlessness and disruptive behavior, which are treated with anxiolytics, like Ativan and Serax…. And hallucination, aggression and uncooperativeness, which are treated with antipsychotic medications, like Haldol and Risperdal. Sleep aids may be prescribed for Alzheimer’s patients who experience night terrors, or who are not sleeping well. Common options include Lunesta and Ambien. But even with the best treatment, medications, and care, Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, and will continue to worsen with time. That’s why scientists are hard at work to uncover new treatments that may benefit the Alzheimer’s community. It’s vitally important for people with Alzheimer’s to have the support of family, friends and professional caregivers as they deal with the consequences of the disease. Talk to your doctor about the best possible treatment plan!
Category:Senior Health/Alzheimer's Disease
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