Descripción

Source: Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

The brain condition known as Alzheimer’s disease (pronounced “alz-HAI-mirs”) leads to a gradual deterioration of memory, thinking, learning, and organizational abilities. Ultimately, it has an impact on a person’s capacity to perform basic everyday activities. Alzheimer’s symptoms deteriorate as time passes. It is believed by researchers that drug use and alzheimer’s could begin 10 years or more prior to the onset of initial symptoms. People aged 65 and older are most commonly affected by AD.

Drugs for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease

Memantine, which is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, can be prescribed for those suffering from moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. This medication is prescribed to alleviate symptoms, which may allow some individuals to sustain specific daily activities for a longer period than they would be able to do without it. For instance, memantine might assist individuals in the later stages of the disease in preserving their independent bathroom usage for several additional months, which is advantageous for both Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. 

Memantine is thought to function by controlling glutamate, a crucial neurotransmitter in the brain. Since NMDA antagonists and cholinesterase inhibitors function differently, they can be prescribed together. Donepezil, the rivastigmine patch, and a combination of memantine and donepezil have also received approval from the FDA for use in moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. 

Pharmaceutical therapies for Alzheimer’s disease

While drug treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is necessary, the benefits are limited; thus, medications should constitute just one aspect of a person’s comprehensive care. Non-pharmaceutical treatments, activities, and support play an equally vital role in assisting individuals with Alzheimer’s disease to live well.

Numerous medications are known by at least two different names. The generic name denotes the substance. The brand name differs based on the company that produces it. A well-known painkiller, for instance, has the generic name paracetamol and is produced under brand names among others. From time to time, a medication that has a widely recognized generic name (like paracetamol) will be produced and marketed using only this name. 

Which treatments can be availed of?

Because there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, it poses a health and social burden for all countries with aging populations. The market offers four treatments for drug use and alzheimer’s: donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, and memantine. While they do not cure Alzheimer’s disease, they can slow its progression or alleviate behavioral symptoms, resulting in improvements in thinking, memory, communication, and daily activities. Due to the confusion and disorientation brought on by Alzheimer’s disease, patients, families, and caregivers face particular challenges. Therapy relies on: 

• art (such as painting, sculpture, writing, music, theater, etc.);
• physical activity (gentle stretching, tai chi, mindfulness or sophrology practices, relaxation techniques, etc.);
• cognitive therapies (like memory training, etc.). 

Prevention

It is advisable to adopt a healthy lifestyle to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) states, «Studies show that individuals can lower their risk of cognitive decline and dementia by engaging in physical activity, refraining from smoking, avoiding the detrimental use of alcohol, managing their weight, following a nutritious diet, and keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels within healthy ranges. Other factors comprise depression, social isolation, low levels of education, lack of cognitive engagement, and air pollution can be prevented.» 

Therapeutic and activity-based treatments

• Alzheimer’s disease symptom medications are just one aspect of caring for someone with dementia.
• Other treatments, activities, and support – including for the carer – are equally crucial for helping individuals live well with dementia.
• Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) consists of engaging in group activities and exercises aimed at enhancing memory and problem-solving abilities.

Rehabilitation of cognition

This method entails collaborating with a qualified expert like an occupational therapist, alongside a family member or friend, to reach individual objectives—like mastering the use of a mobile phone or performing other routine activities. Cognitive rehabilitation functions by engaging the functioning areas of your brain to assist those that are not.

Life story work and reminiscence

Talking about past events and things is part of reminiscence work. It typically includes the use of props like photos, cherished items, or music. The process of life story work entails gathering photographs, memorabilia, and notes from your early years up to the present. You can choose between a physical book and a digital version. At times, a combination of these approaches is used. There is evidence that they can enhance mood and wellbeing. 

Disease-modifying medications

Treatments that can slow the advancement of Alzheimer’s disease are now available. These comprise:

• lecanemab (Leqembi), which demonstrated a 25% reduction in progression during a phase 3 clinical trial.
• donanimhaber (Kisunla), which was found to reduce cognitive decline by 32% in a review of earlier studies.
• aducanumab (Aduhelm), which has shown only modest effectsTrusted Source on cognition and is still in the testing phase. Individuals can have detailed discussions about these with their physician.

Alternative therapies

• Additional strategies that might alleviate symptoms include:
• Establishing a secure, well-known residential setting
• Eliminating items that might be dangerous or lead to injury adhering to a routine
• Being exposed to daylight and maintaining a consistent bedtime to aid sleep.

Options 

Your physician will determine specific treatment for Alzheimer’s disease based on:

Your age, general health, and medical background Severity of the illness Your tolerance for particular medications, procedures, or treatments Expectations regarding the progression of the illness Your views or preferences At present, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and no treatment that can reverse its decline. New research findings provide hope, and several medications are currently undergoing clinical trials to assess their potential to slow disease progression or temporarily enhance memory. Several medications can aid in managing some of the most distressing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, including the following:

• depressive Verstimmung
• Conduct disturbances
• Schlaflosigkeit

Lecanemab and Donanemab are two therapies that the FDA has approved, and they may aid in slowing the advancement of Alzheimer’s disease. There is a third one, aducanumab, which is not available on the market anymore. When it comes to managing the disease, physical exercise and social activity are vital, along with proper nutrition, health maintenance, and a calm and well-organized environment.