Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease
Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources
for Alzheimer's Disease
includes the following list.
Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment
or change in treatment plans.
- Mental stimulation
- Tacrine (THA, Cognex)
- Aricept (donepezil) - reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
- Exelon (rivastigmine) - reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
- Supportive care
- Nursing homes
Alzheimer's Disease: Is the Diagnosis Correct?
The first step in getting correct treatment is
to get a correct diagnosis.
Differential diagnosis list for Alzheimer's Disease may include:
Alzheimer's Disease: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers
Products, offers and promotion categories available for Alzheimer's Disease:
Curable Types of Alzheimer's Disease
Possibly curable types of Alzheimer's Disease may include:
Alzheimer's Disease: Research Doctors & Specialists
- Neurology (Brain/CNS Specialists):
- Stroke & Vascular Specialists:
- Senior Health Specialists (Geriatrics):
- more specialists...»
Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
Drugs and Medications used to treat Alzheimer's Disease:
Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any prescription drug, OTC drug, medication, treatment
or change in treatment plans.
Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease include:
Unlabeled Drugs and Medications to treat Alzheimer's Disease:
Unlabelled alternative drug treatments for Alzheimer's Disease include:
Hospital statistics for Alzheimer's Disease:
These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Alzheimer's Disease:
- 7,900 patients were hospitalised with Alzheimer’s as a primary diagnosis in the US 2000 (National Home and Hospice Care Survey, NCHS, CDC)
- 7.5% of current hospitalised patients had Alzheimer’s as a primary diagnosis in the US 2000 (National Home and Hospice Care Survey, NCHS, CDC)
- 0.12% (15,864) of hospital episodes were for Alzheimer’s and other degenerative diseases in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 78% of hospital consultations for Alzheimer’s and other degenerative diseases required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- more hospital information...»
Hospitals & Medical Clinics: Alzheimer's Disease
Research quality ratings and patient incidents/safety measures
for hospitals and medical facilities in specialties related to Alzheimer's Disease:
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Choosing the Best Treatment Hospital:
More general information, not necessarily in relation to Alzheimer's Disease,
on hospital and medical facility performance and surgical care quality:
Medical news summaries about treatments for Alzheimer's Disease:
The following medical news items
are relevant to treatment of Alzheimer's Disease:
Discussion of treatments for Alzheimer's Disease:
NINDS Alzheimer's Disease Information Page: NINDS (Excerpt)
There is no cure for AD and no way to slow the
progression of the disease. For some people in the early or middle stages
of the disease, medication such as tacrine may alleviate some cognitive
symptoms. Aricept (donepezil) and Exelon (rivastigmine) are reversible
acetylcholinesterase inhibitors that are indicated for the treatment of
mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Also, some medications
may help control behavioral symptoms such as sleeplessness, agitation,
wandering, anxiety, and depression. These treatments are aimed at making
the patient more comfortable.
(Source: excerpt from NINDS Alzheimer's Disease Information Page: NINDS)
Aging - Women Getting Older: NWHIC (Excerpt)
There is no cure for AD. Doctors may prescribe certain medication in an
attempt to slow the progression of the disease. People with AD should go
to their doctor regularly. The doctor will check to see how the disease is
progressing and treat any other illnesses that occur. The doctor and other
health professionals also can offer help and support to patients and their
families. Currently, there is on-going research into preventing and curing
Alzheimer’s Disease. (Source: excerpt from Aging - Women Getting Older: NWHIC)
Alzheimer's Disease: NWHIC (Excerpt)
No treatment can stop AD. However, for some people in the early and
middle stages of the disease, the drug tacrine (also known as THA or
Cognex) may alleviate some cognitive symptoms. Also, some medications may
help control behavioral symptoms of AD such as sleeplessness, agitation,
wandering, anxiety, and depression. Treating these symptoms often makes
patients more comfortable and makes their care easier for caregivers. (Source: excerpt from Alzheimer's Disease: NWHIC)
Forgetfulness It's Not Always What You Think - Age Page - Health Information: NIA (Excerpt)
For some people in the early and middle stages of Alzheimer's
disease, the drug tacrine (also known as Cognex or THA) is
prescribed to possibly delay the worsening of some of the disease's
symptoms. (Source: excerpt from Forgetfulness It's Not Always What You Think - Age Page - Health Information: NIA)
NIA's Progress Report on Alzheimer's Disease, 1998: NIA (Excerpt)
In 1996, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved donepezil
hydrochloride (Aricept) to help treat some mild to moderate symptoms in some AD
patients and delay progression for from 6 to 12 months. Aricept (also known as
epsilon2020) is the second drug approved by the FDA to treat AD. The first drug,
tacrine (Cognex), has been marketed since 1993. AD is marked by the loss of
neurons that produce acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter in cognitive
functioning. Both Aricept and Cognex act by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an
enzyme that normally breaks down acetylcholine. However, neither drug stops nor
reverses the progression of AD. Occasional side effects of Aricept include
diarrhea and nausea. The drug also can cause an irregular heartbeat, especially
in patients with heart conditions. Fainting spells have been reported in some
patients. However, Aricept seems not to affect liver enzymes, an effect that
prevented many patients from taking Cognex. Most researchers agree that neither
Aricept nor Cognex works for all, or even most, AD patients so that the drugs'
effects and duration of usefulness are limited. (Source: excerpt from NIA's Progress Report on Alzheimer's Disease, 1998: NIA)
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Book Excerpts: Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Treatments of Alzheimer's Disease: Online Medical Books
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for more information about the treatments of Alzheimer's Disease.
Amnesia:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Immediate attention to airway, breathing, and circulation
-
Prompt treatment of suspected infections and trauma
–CNS infections: Antibiotic and/or antiviral therapy
–Head trauma: Surgical intervention may be necessary to
evacuate space-occupying traumatic lesions; concussions are treated symptomatically, and patients should refrain from contact sports until symptoms resolve; control elevated intracranial pressure with head elevation, moderate hyperventilation, mannitol administration, and/or surgical drainage
-
Alzheimer's disease: Anticholinesterase medications (e.g., tacrine, donepezil) may improve cognitive function
-
Seizure disorders: Anticonvulsant agents (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproate)
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Delirium:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Delirium is usually reversible with correction of the underlying cause
–Discontinue possible contributing medications
–Treat infection if present
–Correct metabolic or electrolyte abnormalities
-
Pharmacologic therapy
–Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol) for hallucinations, delusions, or illusions
–Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam) for anxiety, agitation, insomnia, or alcohol withdrawal
-
Environmental supports (e.g., calendars, direction signs) to help with orientation
-
Psychosocial support
-
Physical restraints paradoxically increase patient agitation; thus, other alternatives (e.g., safe environment, door alarms) should be used initially
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Dementia:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Treat reversible causes (e.g., hypothyroidism, vitamin deficiency, cerebral vasculitis, neurosyphilis, HIV)
-
Manage nonreversible etiologies, including genetic risks, health care planning, and help groups (e.g., Alzheimer's Association)
-
Alzheimer's disease: Anticholinesterases (e.g., tacrine, donepezil) may improve cognitive function; selegiline and α
-
-tocopherol may delay progression
-
Vascular dementia: Treat risk factors (e.g., discontinue tobacco use, lower blood pressure and lipids)
–Note that lost cognitive function will not return despite treatment
Parkinson's disease: Dopamine and dopamine agonists; anticholinergics improve function but do not affect progression of disease; selegiline may slow disease progression
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Delirium:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Correction of any metabolic derangements, including alterations of glucose and sodium
-
Drug ingestion
–Discuss with poison control center
-
Infectious causes
–Use of appropriate antibiotics based on likely
organisms
-
Psychological disturbance
–Antipsychotics if appropriate
-
Heat stroke
–Aggressive rehydration
-
Hepatic failure
–Supportive therapy
–Lactulose may help to improve mental state/cognition
-
Hartnup
–Supplemental nicotinamide
-
Pellagra
–Supplemental niacin
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Alzheimer's disease:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Therapy consists of attempts to slow disease progression, manage behavioral problems, modify the home environment, and elicit family support. Some medications have proven helpful. Tacrine, a centrally acting anticholinesterase agent, is given to treat memory deficits. It has slowed progression of the disease and improved cognitive function in some patients. Other agents include donepezil and rivastigmine. Underlying disorders that contribute to the patient’s confusion, such as hypoxia, are also identified and treated.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Dissociative amnesia:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Psychotherapy aims to help the patient recognize the traumatic event that triggered the amnesia and the anxiety it produced. A trusting, therapeutic relationship is essential to achieving this goal. The therapist subsequently attempts to teach the patient reality-based coping strategies.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Alzheimer's disease:
Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)
A cerebral vasodilator (such as ergoloid mesylate or isoxsuprine) is prescribed to enhance the brain’s circulation; hyperbaric oxygen, to increase oxygenation to the brain; a psychostimulator (such as methylphenidate), to enhance the patient’s mood; and an antidepressant, to treat depression, if that seems to exacerbate the patient’s dementia. Donepezil and nivastigmine, which are centrally acting anticholinesterases, are given to treat memory deficits.
Most drug therapies being used are experimental. These include choline salts, lecithin, physostigmine, enkephalins, and naloxone, which may slow the disease process. Antioxidant therapy is also being investigated. Another approach to treatment includes avoiding the use of antacids containing aluminum, aluminum cooking utensils, and aluminum-containing deodorants to help decrease aluminum intake.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Apraxia:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Prepare the patient for diagnostic studies, which may include computed tomography and radionuclide brain scans. Because weakness, sensory deficits, confusion, and seizures may accompany apraxia, take measures to ensure the patient’s safety. For example, assist him with gait apraxia in walking.
Patient teaching
Explain the disorder to the patient. Encourage him to participate in his normal activities as tolerated. Help him overcome frustration arising from the inability to perform routine tasks by breaking each task down into separate steps, demonstrating these steps, and having the patient repeat the actions you demonstrated as taught by the physical and occupational therapists. Allow him sufficient time to perform each step. Avoid giving complex directions. Encourage family members to assist in the patient’s rehabilitation.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Apraxia:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
During your assessment, be alert for signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, such as headache and vomiting. If you detect any, elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees and monitor the patient closely for altered pupil size and reactivity, bradycardia, widened pulse pressure, and irregular respirations. Have emergency resuscitation equipment nearby, and be prepared to give mannitol I.V. to decrease cerebral edema.
If the patient is experiencing seizures, stay with him and have another nurse notify the physician immediately. Avoid restraining the patient. Help him to a lying position, loosen tight clothing, and place a pillow or other soft object beneath his head. If the patient’s teeth are clenched, don’t force anything into his mouth. If his mouth is open, protect the tongue by placing a soft object, such as a washcloth, between his teeth. Turn the patient’s head to provide an open airway.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Confusion:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
To help the patient stay oriented, keep a large calendar and a clock visible, and make a list of his activities with specific dates and times. Always reintroduce yourself to the patient each time you enter his room.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Amnesia:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, EEG, or cerebral angiography.
▪ Provide reality orientation for the patient with retrograde amnesia, and encourage his family to help by supplying familiar photos, objects, and music.
▪ If the patient has severe amnesia, consider basic needs, such as safety, elimination, and nutrition. If necessary, arrange for placement in an extended-care facility.
Patient teaching
▪ Adjust your patient-teaching techniques for the patient with anterograde amnesia because he can't acquire new information.
▪ Include his family in teaching sessions. In addition, write down all instructions—particularly medication dosages and schedules—so the patient won't have to rely on his memory.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Confusion:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Never leave a confused patient unattended, to prevent injury to himself and others.
▪ Take measures to ensure patient safety.
▪ Keep the patient calm and quiet, and plan uninterrupted rest periods.
▪ Correct the underlying cause of the patient's confusion.
Patient teaching
▪ To help the patient stay oriented, keep a large calendar and a clock visible, and make a list of his activities with specific dates and times.
▪ Always reintroduce yourself to the patient each time you enter his room.
▪ If possible, explain to the patient and his family the cause of his confusion.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
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