There is no vaccine or treatment to effectively prevent or cure Alzheimer\u2019s disease. However, there are a number of interventions employed when Alzheimer\u2019s disease occurs.<\/p>\n
There are multiple drugs used for Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Most of these drugs are what are called cholinesterase inhibitors. These drugs, like donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine prevent the breakdown choline, a chemical that serves critical functions in the brain. The drugs do sometimes cause adverse side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and disturbances in sleep patterns. Memantine is another drug used for Alzheimer\u2019s disease that affects glutamate, a critical neurotransmitter involved in memory. The effect of these drugs on Alzheimer\u2019s patients varies. However, the main impact of these drugs is to reduce symptoms associated with Alzheimer\u2019s disease. They do not treat the underlying condition or prevent the progression of the disease<\/a>.<\/p>\n One of the main differences in these drugs is when they are used in the progression of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Whereas donepezil and rivastigmine, known as Aricept and Exelon respectively, are used during all stages of Alzheimer\u2019s disease, galantamine, or Razadyne is used only during mild to moderate phases of the disease. Memantine, or Namenda, is used for moderate to severe Alzheimer\u2019s disease. In 2014, Namzaric, which is a combination of donepezil and memantine was approved by the FDA as a way to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n The FDA has not approved any foods as treatments for Alzheimer\u2019s disease, but there are supplements that are marketed to suggest that they can intervene in the progression of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. However, because people with Alzheimer\u2019s disease often lose their interest in food and forget to eat, caregivers are generally advised to implement a plan to ensure that Alzheimer\u2019s patients are getting proper nutrition. Similarly, because exercise is important for health, and because those with Alzheimer\u2019s disease are likely to lose motivation or forget to exercise, caregivers are encouraged to promote exercise in Alzheimer\u2019s disease patients.<\/p>\n References<\/strong><\/p>\n Doody, R. S. (2005). Refining treatment guidelines in Alzheimer’s disease<\/a>. Geriatrics, Suppl, 14-20.<\/em><\/p>\n Evin, G. (2008). Gamma-secretase modulators: hopes and setbacks for the future of Alzheimer’s treatment. Expert Rev Neurother, 8(11), 1611-1613. doi: 10.1586\/14737175.8.11.1611<\/em><\/p>\n Pinho, B. R., Ferreres, F., Valentao, P., & Andrade, P. B. (2013). Nature as a source of metabolites with cholinesterase-inhibitory activity: an approach to Alzheimer’s disease treatment<\/a>. J Pharm Pharmacol, 65(12), 1681-1700. doi: 10.1111\/jphp.12081<\/em><\/p>\n Sonkusare, S. K., Kaul, C. L., & Ramarao, P. (2005). Dementia of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders–memantine, a new hope<\/a>. Pharmacol Res, 51(1), 1-17. doi: 10.1016\/j.phrs.2004.05.005<\/em><\/p>\n Wilkinson, D., Wirth, Y., & Goebel, C. (2014). Memantine in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease: meta-analyses using realistic definitions of response.<\/a> Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord, 37(1-2), 71-85. doi: 10.1159\/000353801<\/em><\/p>\nDiet and Exercise<\/h2>\n