Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Which Medications Can Be Used to Treat Alzheimer's Disease?

By Juliane Anders

With the many treatment options that are currently on the market, it can be difficult to select the one that is best. Being knowledgeable about various treatment options is critical in selecting a proper treatment plan. Some modern treatments include therapy and pharmaceutical drugs, as well as care giving.

There currently exist three drugs approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and the European medicines agency, which are called Aricept, Razadyne, and Exelon. All three are effective in treating moderate or mild Alzheimer's, although these drugs are less effective when dealing in the treatment of advanced stages of the disease.

Antipsychotic medications can also treat the anger and aggression that can result from the breakdown of neurons. Typically, people will hold back on primitive human emotions that are not acceptable in public; however, as Alzheimer's progresses these individuals lose their ability to control their impulses. Antipsychotic drugs can aid in proper social function and normal behavior.

Therapy can be helpful for Alzheimer's patients, as it will teach them to identify problem behaviors and show them how to control their actions, resulting in improved social function. Therapy is widely criticized as not being effective, and tests are still ongoing to decide whether group or individual therapy can have a positive effect in treating Alzheimer's disease.

More forms of therapy include showing persons with Alzheimer's disease familiar photographs or playing music, which can aid in improving memory and concentration.

As well, voice recordings of one's loved ones can sooth and calm the Alzheimer's patient and improve the function of the brain.

Care giving is essential once Alzheimer's progresses into the moderate or severe stage, and its role is usually undertaken by a spouse. Due to the late onset of Alzheimer's disease, it can be very difficult for one elderly person to take care of another; therefore, classes exist to aid in the training of the caregiver role. If no family exists or they are unable to take care of the individual with Alzheimer's, a nursing home may be another option, which can provide care are round-the-clock.

Due to the wide variety of treatments on the market, staying on top of the latest developments is important in selecting the options right for you, as well as your loved ones. Care giving, pharmaceutical drugs, and therapy are all viable options in managing this disorder.

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