If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, you may be wondering how to treat Alzheimers disease. This guide provides an introduction to some of the available treatments.

In August 12, 2009, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published an results of a study that found that adults who followed the Mediterranean diet and who were physically active were less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. While the JAMA cautioned against issuing recommendations based on the study, previous research has shown a slower rate of cognitive decline in adults who followed a Mediterranean diet.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811161306.htm

As people age, most experience a general slowing of cognitive abilities and occassional forgetfulness. Alzheimer's disease, however, is characterized by persistent and increasingly worse memory loss.MayoClinic.com: Alzheimer's disease: Symptoms If you think that you or someone you know may have Alzheimer's, make a doctor's appointment as soon as possible. A medical professional will be able to correctly diagnose the disease and recommend the most effective treatment. Since Alzheimer's disease affects elderly people, who may have other health problems or be on other medications, it is important to consult with a doctor before beginning any treatment program.

Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that causes memory loss, confusion, mental impairment, behavior and personality changes. Over time, the symptoms of Alzheimer's become increasingly worse and may result in those afflicted failing to recognize their closest family members and forgetting how to perform basic daily tasks. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease and no way to stop its progression, there are several treatments that may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with it.NINDS: NINDS Alzheimer's Disease Information Page

Medication for Cognitive Symptoms:

Two types of medications have been approved by the FDA to treat the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease. These drugs have an effect on the activity of the chemicals that carry messages between the brain’s nerve cells.

1. Cholinesterase - supports communication by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is important for learning and memory. May delay symptoms for 6-12 months for approximately 50% of the individuals who take it. A small percentage may actually benefit more dramatically.
2. Memantine (Namenda) - works by regulating the activity of glutamate, which is also involved in learning and memory.

Cholinesterase:

1. Donepezil (Aricept) is used to treat all stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.
2. Rivastigmine (Exelon) is used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease.
3. Galantamine (Razadyne) is used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease.

Memantine (Namenda):

1. Approved in 2003 for treatment of moderate to severa Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Only drug of this type that is FDA approved.
3. Delays worsening of symptoms temporarily for some individuals.

Side Effects:

1. Donepezil (Aricept) – nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and increased frequency of bowel movements.
2. Galantamine (Razadyne) – nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and increased frequency of bowel movements.
3. Memantine (Namenda) – headaches, constipation, confusion and dizziness.
4. Rivastigmine (Exelon) - nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and increased frequency of bowel movements.
5. Tacrine (Cognex) – possible liver damage, nausea, and vomiting.http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_standard_prescriptions.asp

Medication for Behavioral and Psychiatric Symptoms:

Behavioral symptoms

For many individuals, Alzheimer's disease affects the way they feel and act in addition to its impact on memory and other thought processes. As with cognitive symptoms, the chief underlying cause is progressive destruction of brain cells. In different stages of Alzheimer's, people may experience:

1. Physical or verbal outbursts
2. General emotional distress
3. Pacing, shredding paper or tissues, restlessness, yelling
4. Hallucination (hearing or seeing things that are not there)
5. Delusions (belief in thing that are not real even when evidence to the contrary is produced)

Approaches for managing behavioral symptoms:

Non-drug approaches

1. Realizing that acting mean or ornery is a symptom of the disease
2. Understanding the causes and symptoms and how they relate to the experience of the individual
3. Changing the environment to resolve challenges and obstacles which can make the individual more comfortable, feel more secure, and have ease of mind.

Recognizing treatable conditions that may cause the behaviors, such as: - Drug side effects - Physical discomfort - Uncorrected problems with hearing or vision. Recognizing situations that may affect behavior and cause fear and confusion: - Moving to a new residence - Changes in environment or caregiver arrangements - Misperceived threats - Hospitalization - Being asked to bathe or change clothes - Fear and fatigue from trying to make sense out of the world Potential solutions - Monitor personal comfort. - Avoid confrontations or arguments. - Redirect the individual’s attention. - Remain flexible, supportive and patient. Create a calm environment - Simplify tasks, solutions, and the environment. - Allow time for rest between activities. - Provide privacy. - Equip doors and gates with safety locks. - Remove gunshttp://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_standard_prescriptions.asp

• Regardless of whether or not your doctor prescribes any of the above drugs for Alzheimer's treatment, there are several things you can do at home to keep Alzheimer's patients in otherwise good health, help keep them comfortable and minimize their confusion.

1. Creating and maintaining a calm and simple environment with minimal distractionsAlzheimer's Association: Standard Treatments
2. Maintaining a healthy body weight and good nutritional habitsMayoClinic.com: Alzheimer's Disease: Lifestyle and home remedies
3. If the patient is able, engaging in regular, doctor-recommended exerciseMayoClinic.com: Alzheimer's Disease: Lifestyle and home remedies
4. Creating and using a reminder journal which lists all the daily activities the patient should perform and then having the patient check off each activity once it has been completedMayoClinic.com: Alzheimer's Disease: Lifestyle and home remedies

• For more information on at-home and natural treatments for Alzheimer's disease, refer to Mahalo's guide to How to Treat Alzheimer's Disease Naturally.

• Alzheimer's disease can be traumatic, not only for those afflicted, but also to those people with whom they are close. If someone you know is displaying symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, take them to see a doctor. A medical professional will be able to recommend the best treatment for the patient, depending on their symptoms and needs.