TREATMENT

There is no known cure for Alzheimer's. The death of brain cells cannot be reversed. However, there are
therapeutic interventions that can make it easier for people to live with the disease. General treatment
approach to patient is to provide supportive medical care, pharmacological treatment for specific
symptoms, including disruptive behavior, and emotional support for patients and their families.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, the following are important elements of dementia care:
 effective management of any conditions occurring alongside the Alzheimer's
 activities and day-care programs
 involvement of support groups and services

HOW TO CHOOSE A TREATMENT

The doctor will help the patient choose the best treatment based on a few things about him/her,
including:

 His/her age, overall health, and medical history

 How severe his/her disease is
 How well a medicine or therapy will work for the patient and his/her lifestyle?
 His/her preferences or those of his/her family or caregivers

DRUG THERAPY
No disease-modifying drugs are available for Alzheimer's disease, but some options may reduce the
symptoms and help improve quality of life.

Reminyl, Exelon, Aricept, Namzaric and Cognex belong to a class of drugs known as cholinesterase
inhibitors. Each acts in a different way to delay the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical in the brain
that facilitates communication among nerve cells and is important for memory.

Cholinesterase inhibitors that are approved for symptomatic relief in the U.S. include:
 Donepezil (Aricept) - the only treatment approved by the FDA for all stages of Alzheimer’s
disease: mild, moderate, and severe. It can be taken as a tablet that is being swallowed or that
dissolves in your mouth.
 Rivastigmine (Exelon) - is for people who have mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. It can wear as
a skin patch that has the drug, or take it in capsules and in liquid form.
 Razadyne (formerly called Reminyl) - is also for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. It can be a tablet
that works right away, a capsule that gives off the medicine slowly, and in liquid forms.
 Tacrine (Cognex) – used for treating mild to moderate dementia.
 Namzaric - This drug is a mix of Namenda and Aricept. It's best for people with moderate to
severe Alzheimer's who already take the two drugs separately.

* Cognex is rarely prescribed due to serious side effects, including possible liver damage.
  A different kind of drug, memantine (Namenda), shields brain cells from overexposure to
another neurotransmitter called glutamate, excess levels of which contribute to the death of
brain cells in people with Alzheimer’s.

NONPHARMACOLOGIC TREATMENT OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Non-drug interventions for Alzheimer’s disease include things like memory training, mental and social
stimulation, and physical exercise programs. Some of these strategies could possibly improve people’s
cognitive performance and increase their independence.

Cognitive Therapy Approaches

There are various types of cognitive interventions for people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. They
may include things like arithmetic problems, or exercises in which series of numbers are to be
completed, or in which images have to be remembered and recognized.

Physical, emotional and social stimulation

These interventions focus on different types of activities, such as discussion groups on various topics,
preparing meals together, practical things like brushing your teeth, making coffee or writing letters – but
also physical activities to improve strength, endurance and balance, as well as art and music.

Emotion-oriented interventions
Emotion-oriented treatment approaches focus on the feelings, values and experiences of people who
have Alzheimer’s disease, and aim to improve their quality of life.

 Validation Therapy - Here the caregivers use special communication techniques, being sure to
create an atmosphere of closeness and care when interacting with the person who has
Alzheimer’s.
 Reminiscence therapy - people who have Alzheimer’s are encouraged to talk about topics such
as their hometown, school days or work.

Caregiver Training Programs

Education programs have been developed to provide non-professional caregivers with support. The aim
of these programs is to teach them how to help people who have Alzheimer’s to keep their abilities for
as long as possible.
REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159442.php#treatment

https://www.doh.gov.ph/faqs/What-can-be-done-Alzheimers-Disease

https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/alzheimers-disease-treatment-overview#1

https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/cholinesterase-inhibitors.html

https://www.alzinfo.org/articles/what-drugs-are-approved-for-alzheimers-disease/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279355/