| Since Alzheimer's disease is commonly a slow | | | | progression of Alzheimer's disease.Other clinical trials |
| process, the disease affects people differently and | | | | are underway to determine whether vitamin E and |
| therefore individuals respond to different treatments | | | | selenium supplements can help slow or prevent |
| uniquely. Currently, there is no drug or treatment | | | | symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.Ginkgo BilobaThe |
| program that stops the progression of Alzheimer's | | | | latest studies using Ginkgo Biloba extract from leaves |
| disease. However, for individuals who are in mild, and | | | | has shown this chemical to be of some help with |
| middle stages of the disease, certain drugs have | | | | treating Alzheimer's disease symptoms. However, |
| proven successful.The latest drugs for treating | | | | there is no evidence that Ginkgo Biloba but will cure or |
| Alzheimer's diseaseAricept (donepezil)Given orally, this | | | | prevent Alzheimer's disease. Currently, there is some |
| medication is a reversible inhibitor of the enzyme | | | | clinical evidence showing that Ginkgo Biloba can delay |
| acetylcholinesterase. It is used to treat symptoms in | | | | cognitive deficits or prevent dementia to a certain |
| people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Our | | | | extent in older people.EstrogenClinical trials have been |
| brains normally produce acetylcholine, a chemical | | | | conducted showing that estrogen therapy can protect |
| thought to be important for learning and memory. | | | | the brain against damages caused by Alzheimer's |
| People with Alzheimer's disease have lower brain | | | | disease. These studies were originally conducted using |
| levels of acetylcholine. Aricept acts by decreasing the | | | | estrogen on women for hormone replacement |
| activity of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme whose | | | | therapy. Positive response regarding Alzheimer's |
| function is to break down acetylcholine. It is believed | | | | disease prevention, was noted as a side effect. |
| that by reducing the breakdown of acetylcholine, it will | | | | Current evidence has shown while estrogen therapy |
| lead to an increase in the level of acetylcholine in the | | | | can help prevent the severity or symptoms of |
| brain.Cognex (tacrine)Given orally, this is another | | | | Alzheimer's disease, it will not slow the progression of |
| medication that inhibits the enzyme | | | | Alzheimer's disease once it has already been |
| acetylcholinesterase. Tacrine will not cure Alzheimer's | | | | diagnosed. Also, one study showed that women over |
| disease, and it will not stop the disease from getting | | | | the age of 65 who were receiving estrogen and |
| worse. However, tacrine can improve thinking ability in | | | | progestin therapy, were at greater risk of dementia |
| some patients with Alzheimer's disease.Exelon | | | | and greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease |
| (rivastigmine)Another cholinesterase inhibitor given | | | | symptoms.Individuals may participate in current |
| orally. This medication is used to treat loss of memory | | | | scientific clinical trialsPeople with Alzheimer's disease |
| and thinking ability associated with Alzheimer's | | | | may participate in scientific clinical trials. In order to |
| Disease.Razadyne (galantamine)This medication was | | | | qualify to participate in the studies, certain tests must |
| formerly known as Reminyl. It was changed to | | | | be conducted. For more information about participating |
| razadyne on July 1st 2005. Razadyne is a competitive | | | | in current clinical studies for the treatment of |
| acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It has been shown to | | | | Alzheimer's disease, one can find out more information |
| treat some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease | | | | by calling 1-800-438-4380, which is the Alzheimer's |
| successfully.Namenda (memantine)Approved by the | | | | Disease Treatment Center. The Alzheimer's Disease |
| FDA in October, 2003, this medication is given orally, | | | | Treatment Centers are located throughout the United |
| and works different from the acetylcholinesterase | | | | States.The Alzheimer's AssociationThe Alzheimer's |
| inhibitors. Glutamate is the main excitatory | | | | Association currently has programs and help available |
| neurotransmitter in the brain. It it thought that too much | | | | for caregivers and family members of people with |
| glutamate in the brain can cause cellular damage. | | | | Alzheimer's disease. For more information please |
| Namenda works by blocking the effects of | | | | contact the Alzheimer's Association.William Riopelle, |
| glutamate.AntioxidantsClinical trials have shown that | | | | MS PT, is a senior physical therapist with over twelve |
| vitamin E slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease | | | | years experience working with people in the area of |
| by about seven months. Current clinical trials are | | | | Home Health. |
| underway to determine whether vitamin E will slow the | | | | |