Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that causes a decline in memory and brain function. The condition starts by affecting memory and progresses until it disrupts the ability to problem solve, learn new things, and personality. Eventually, Alzheimer’s can lead to dementia and prevent a person from performing basic activities of daily living.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, and the condition cannot be prevented. However, there are medications and treatments that can slow down symptoms and stave off the worst of the condition for as long as possible. These treatments include medications and therapies, and the sooner treatment is started the better the potential outcome.
There are several medications that can block the effects of Alzheimer’s temporarily. These medications can help a person function mentally and physically for as long as possible and live a fairly normal life. However, no medication can permanently stop Alzheimer’s from setting in.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, also known as AChE inhibitors, are the primary medication for Alzheimer’s. AChE inhibitors, such as galantamine and donepezil, increase the amount of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine improves brain function by increasing cellular communication, which can help maintain mental sharpness. AChE inhibitors are often used for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.
With Alzheimer’s, brain cells release too much glutamate. While glutamate is important for cell and nerve communication, too much of it can overload the brain and cause symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Therefore, memantine, an NMDA antagonist, is necessary to block glutamate function and keep your brain cells under control. Memantine can be used in all stages of Alzheimer’s and in conjunction with AChE inhibitors.
While AChE inhibitors and memantine are good for treating Alzheimer’s directly, other medications are necessary to treat the behavioural changes that are caused by Alzheimer’s. When it starts affecting personality and behaviour, Alzheimer’s can cause aggression, anxiety, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, and irritation.
To combat this, your doctor might prescribe anti-depressants, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety medications. However, because drugs for behavioural changes can have serious side effects, it is not good to take them long-term.
While medications for Alzheimer’s are the most effective treatment option, they also cause unwanted side effects, including the following.
Cognitive stimulation therapy, similar to group therapy, is where a person participates in activities and classes that provide mental stimulation. This can exercise important parts of the brain, improve cellular communication, and hold off the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
As Alzheimer’s progresses, it will impede the ability to remember how to do things. Therefore, cognitive rehabilitation is necessary to teach you how to re-learn important things. This could include how to eat with a spoon or fork, how to use a phone, how to multitask, and other important activities of everyday living. Cognitive rehabilitation is performed by a professional occupational therapist or physical therapist and is important for maintaining independence.
In addition to the treatments in this article, mind-strengthening exercises can also help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. These exercises can include Sudoku puzzles, crosswords, problem-solving, and similar things. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, and you can only temporarily slow the progression of the disease, there is hope that a treatment can eventually get developed.