Diagnosis & Treatment

The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can be done only after a complete medical assessment by a neurologist. If you have observed one or more of the warning signs of Alzheimer’s in your loved elder, be sure to consult a neurologist as soon as possible.

Why is early detection important?

Early detection can help your loved one access the benefits of treatment quickly which can,

Treatment

Research for changing the course of Alzheimer’s and improving the lives of the sufferers is going on worldwide. A cure for Alzheimer’s disease has not yet been discovered, but various medicines to delay the worsening of the symptoms are available. These include medications that are used to treat cognitive and behavioral issues.

Cholinesterase inhibitors 1

They are medicines that inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine. This molecule is vital in nerve cell messaging and is essential for memory and learning skills. A rise in the levels of acetylcholine can support and stimulate memory.
e.g. Donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine etc.

Memantine 2

Memantine is a medicine that can have a positive effect on cognition, activities of daily living and behaviour.

This medicine can regulate the activity of glutamate, one of the neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord which is vital to the learning process.

It may be able to manage troublesome symptoms like aggression, delusions, etc.
In fact, in moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease, a combination of Memantine and donepezil is generally considered beneficial.

The above medications have to be taken only on the advice of a neurologist, who is the only one who can determine the stage of Alzheimer’s. It is important to remember that these drugs can only help to put temporary roadblocks on the symptoms of Alzheimer’s; they do not treat the root cause of the disease.

References

  1. Anand, P. & Singh, B. Arch. Pharm. Res. (2013) 36: 375.
  2.  Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2009; 5: 237–247.