A Treatment Overview of Alzheimer's Disease

What Drugs Are Used to Treat Alzheimer's Disease? continued...

Cognex, Exelon, and Razadyne seem to help only those with mild or moderate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Aricept is approved by the FDA to treat all stages of Alzheimer’s disease: mild, moderate, and severe. Namenda is prescribed for patients who have moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's. In addition to these medicines, the American Academy of Neurology has stated that vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and selegiline (a drug used for Parkinson’s disease) may help with some Alzheimer’s symptoms. Studies looking at the role of supplements such as coenzyme Q10, coral calcium, gingko biloba, and huperzine A have not shown a benefit in their use for Alzheimer’s disease. Study findings from omega-3 fatty acids have been mixed, and research is ongoing.

It is important to know that new research findings are giving reason for hope, and several drugs are being studied in clinical trials to determine if they can slow the progress of the disease or improve memory or other symptoms for a period of time. Scientists also continue to look for methods to diagnose Alzheimer’s earlier, before symptoms appear, which can allow for earlier pursuit of treatment.

A number of other therapeutic approaches such as an Alzheimer’s vaccine are being actively investigated.