Alzheimer's Disease
Alternate Names : Organic Brain Syndrome
What are the treatments for the disease?
The 3 medications currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for
treatment of Alzheimer's disease are donepezil, tacrine, and rivastigmine.
These medications are designed to improve memory by increasing the amount of
acetylcholine in the body.
Other medications, such as risperidone or quetiapine, may also be used to help
behavioral problems such as hallucinations, delusions, or agitation. Some
individuals with Alzheimer's disease may also need medications for depression, anxiety, or insomnia.
Other treatments include support and education for those caring for people with
Alzheimer's. Individual and family counseling can be beneficial. Support groups
have also been found to assist caregivers. As the disease progresses, many
families are unable to care for the person with Alzheimer's disease at home, and
placement in a special facility is needed.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Medications used to treat Alzheimer's disease can damage the liver, so periodic
liver function tests are needed. Other
side effects may include nausea, diarrhea,
insomnia, vomiting, fatigue, or muscle cramps.
What happens after treatment for the disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease without a cure.
Treatment is lifelong. Because the course of Alzheimer's disease is
unpredictable, individuals with the disease should make plans for end-of-life
care while they are still able to participate in the decision-making.
Difficult issues that family members may face include the following:
promoting independence while making sure the individual is safe
removing driving privileges
finding supportive care among family, in an assisted living facility or
nursing home
making business decisions
determining executors of written wills and making sure advanced
directives are in the individual's patient file at his or her doctor's
office
How is the disease monitored?
Individuals with Alzheimer's disease will have periodic visits to the
healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment. Periodic liver function tests may be ordered if the person is
taking one of the medications that can cause liver damage. Any new or worsening
symptoms should be reported to the provider.
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