There is no definitive cure for dementia since the exact causes of
the disorder is unknown. However, it is possible to minimize some common
symptoms of early stage of Alzheimer's Disease with medications currently
available. They include:
-
Tacrine (Cognex): The drug is seldom prescribed due
to many side effects, potential liver damage and disappointing memory
results.
-
Newer drugs such as Donepezil (Aricept), Rivastigmine
(Exelon) and Galantamine (Reminyl) with fewer side effects are stated
to be beneficial for memory improvement but effective only in early
and middle stages of Alzheimer's Disease (12).
-
Donepezil is expected to delay the onset of AD for
about one year in people suffering from mild cognitive impairment
(MCI) (13).
-
Memantine HCl (Namenda): was actually prescribed for
moderate to severe stage AD but now is being prescribed even in
earlier stages (12).
-
Cholinesterase inhibitor. The common side effects
include dizziness, agitation and delusional behavior (13).
-
Administration of Vitamin E has proved to show positive
effects without side effects (12).
-
Antipsychotic drugs not approved by FDA are some times
used to treat agitation and belligerence. The drugs include Haloperidol,
Risperidone (Risperdal®), Benzodiazepines and drugs such as Olanzapine
[Zyprexa®], Quetiapine [Seroquel®], Ziprasadone [Zeldox®, Geodon®]).
The drugs increase the risk of death in elderly patients and the
side effects include sedation, confusion and increased muscle tone
(14).
-
Cholinesterase inhibitors are used to treat cognitive
functions and behavioral symptoms in Lewy body disease.
-
Opiate drugs are used to relieve pain.
-
Clonazepam and Sodium valproate are used to relieve
myoclonus (4).
Lowering Homocysteine: Increasing
the dosage of the three B vitamins lowers
homocysteine levels. It is important to note that
higher homocysteine levels increase the risk of
vascular dementia and an increase in dosage of
vitamin B12 (folic acid) and B6 slows the progression
of AD.
Lowering Cholesterol Levels:
Increased levels of cholesterol tend to form amyloid
plaques in the brain. “Mutations in a gene
called CYP46 and the apoE E4 gene variant, both of
which have been linked to an increased risk of AD,
are also involved in cholesterol metabolism”
(4). Statins lower the cholesterol levels and
consequently lower the chances of cognitive
impairment.
Lowering Blood Pressure: Studies
have shown that an antihypertensive drug reduces
cognitive impairment in elderly people.
Exercise: Regular physical
exercises help in maintenance of hormonal balance and
also stimulate in release of chemicals required for
the survival of neurons and delay the onset of
dementia (4).
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs): NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen (Advil,
Motrin), Naproxen Sodium (Aleve) and Indomethacin
(Indocin) are expected reduce the risk of AD since
inflammation is the causal agent. Nevertheless,
research in this regard is in progress.
Cholesterol drugs: Drugs such as
Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Rosuvastatin (Crestor) and
Simvastatin (Zocor) (used to lower cholesterol
levels) may minimize the risk of AD as some recent
studies have shown. However, further research is
necessary and ongoing (15).
