Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder (disorder of the nervous system) in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline.
Treatment options
Two types of drugs are currently used:
Cholinesterase inhibitors: Commonly prescribed cholinesterase inhibitors include Donepezil (Aricept), Galantamine (Razadyne) And Rivastigmine (Exelon). These drugs work by preventing the breakdown of the chemicals used for nerve cell communication in the brain and delay worsening of symptoms. The main side effects of these drugs include diarrhoea, nausea and sleep disturbances.
Memantine (Namenda): This drug works in another brain cell communication network and slows the progression of symptoms with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. It is sometimes used in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor.
Alternative medicine:
Various herbal mixtures, vitamins and other supplements are widely promoted as preparations that may support cognitive health or prevent or delay Alzheimer's. Currently, there's no strong evidence that any of these therapies slow the progression of cognitive decline.
Some of the treatments that have been studied recently and show promise of being beneficial, include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Curcumin
- Ginkgo
Further research is still being done.
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