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What is Alzheimer's Disease (AD)?
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is an age-related and irreversible brain disorder that occurs gradually and results in memory loss, behavior and personality changes, and a decline in thinking abilities. These losses are related to the breakdown of the connections between nerve cells in the brain and the eventual death of many of these cells. AD is not a normal part of aging.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Forgetfulness (patients forget recent events, names of family members and friends)
- Difficulties with problem solving (including simple math and planning daily activities)
- Patients may forget to execute basic simple tasks (like bathing, brushing teeth, combing hair, dressing)
- Inability to think clearly
- Difficulties with speaking, reading, writing, or comprehending even simple words
- Patients may become agitated, angry, anxious or confused and they may wander away from their place of residence
About 3% of men and women ages 65 to 74 have AD, and nearly half of those age 85 and older may have the disease. It is important to note, however, that AD is not a normal part of aging.
Treatment: the following medications have been used to slow the progression of AD:
- tacrine (Cognex)
- donepezil (Aricept)
- rivastigmine (Exelon)
- galantamine (Reminyl)
- memantine (Namenda)
Before taking medication for AD:
- Ask your doctor to tell you about the effects and side effects of the medication he or she is prescribing.
- Tell your doctor about any alternative therapies or over-the-counter medications you are using.
- Ask your doctor when and how the medication will be stopped. Some medications cannot safely be discontinued abruptly; they have to be tapered slowly under a physician's supervision.
- Be aware that some medications are effective only as long as they are taken regularly, and symptoms may occur again when the medications are discontinued.
- Work together with your doctor to determine the right dosage of the right medication to treat AD.
Reference: National Institute of Mental Health