Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. It is characterized by abnormal clumps of protein fragments called beta-amyloid, neurofibrillary tangles and other structural changes in the brain. These changes affect the way nerve cells communicate with each other, resulting in memory problems and loss of ability to perform basic daily activities.
Progressive Condition
It is a progressive condition that can occur in all age groups, but it most commonly affects people over the age of 65. It can occur suddenly or gradually over many years, and it does not always lead to death.
Treatment Options
There is no known cure for the disease, but there are treatments that can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. These include medications to treat cognitive problems, such as memory loss and confusion, and medicines that reduce the effects of the disease on the body.
Treatment options for behavioral changes related to the disease are also available. These may include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and sleep aids. Drugs that treat these problems should be used only if the doctor decides they are necessary to relieve the symptoms and prevent worsening of the condition.
Approved Drugs
Memantine and donepezil (Namzaric) are two drugs that have been approved by the FDA to treat moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's. They help slow the progress of the disease by lowering levels of an enzyme in the brain that can destroy acetylcholine, a chemical that helps nerve cells communicate.
They also increase levels of another chemical, nitric oxide, which promotes healthy blood flow to the brain and keeps it from becoming too large. These two drugs can be given together, or separately, depending on the needs of a person with Alzheimer's.
The first drug that received accelerated approval from the FDA for treating early stage Alzheimer's was aducanumab (Aduhelm). It works to reduce amyloid plaques, which are the abnormal clumps of beta-amyloid that cause Alzheimer's symptoms.
Future Treatment Options
There are many other experimental drugs being studied for use in Alzheimer's treatment, including vaccines that prevent beta-amyloid from forming and drug therapies that reduce the inflammation that occurs in the brain during Alzheimer's. These new medications have the potential to make a big impact on the future of this disease.
Lifestyle Factors
Other factors that may help keep Alzheimer's at bay include a nutritious diet, regular physical exercise, social engagement, and mental stimulation. There are also a number of lifestyle changes that can lower your risk of developing Alzheimer's, including not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and not drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
Quality of Life
A good lifestyle and being well-informed about Alzheimer's can help you or your loved one maintain a healthy, happy life with the disease. Research has shown that these measures can help slow the progression of Alzheimer's and improve quality of life.
Family-Focused Caregiving
Family-focused caregiving strategies are important, as are programs that provide information about the different stages of Alzheimer's and tips for handling common behavioral problems associated with the disease. Good coping skills, a support network, and respite care are also helpful.