While there is currently no cure available for Alzheimer's disease, there are a number of treatments that can temporarily prevent certain symptoms from getting worse. Additionally, research is always ongoing in the hope of slowing or preventing Alzheimer's altogether.
There are a few drugs available to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's. The drugs work by regulating certain chemicals in the brain; the hope is that they will help Alzheimer's patients maintain memory, thinking, speaking, and behavioral skills for a limited time.
- For mild to moderate Alzheimers donepezil, rivastigmine or galantamine may help prevent the symptoms for a limited time.
- Donepezil is also prescribed to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer's, and memantine may be prescribed at this stage as well.
Currently scientists are testing various drugs to see if they can reduce the symptoms, slow the progression of, or even prevent Alzheimers. Additionally, various vaccines and lifestyle changes are being tested.
Currently, different types of research are ongoing to find treatments and effective prevention techniques for Alzheimers. These types of research include basic, translational and clinical research.
- Basic research studies the most fundamental level of Alzheimers: the cellular and molecular processes in the brain, and the role of the genes in a person's risk of developing Alzheimers.
- Translational research allows the flow of information from the laboratory to be applied as clinical tests. For example, a new drug is being researched and developed to stabilize cell structures that help transport nutrients and block dangerous proteins in the brain.
- Clinical research is being done to observe and gather information on people to find out whether a behavior or drug actually slows, delays or prevents Alzheimers.
Alzheimers disease is a progressive disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to do simple things. While there is no cure, there are numerous treatments to help slow the progression of Alzheimer's, and research is ongoing to help future generations fight Alzheimers disease.
Reference URL 1. http://nihseniorhealth.gov/alzheimersdisease/treatmentsandresearch/01.ht...
