Despite the latest developments of pharmaceutical companies and scientific research, there are still diseases that cannot be completely cured. A cure for Alzheimer's has not yet been invented, so the therapeutic complex includes drugs that reduce the severity of symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
What is this disease?
Before figuring out which drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's can be prescribed to a patient, it is worth briefly describing the disease itself and its characteristic symptoms.
This pathology was first described by a German doctor in 1906. Alois Alzheimer, a practicing psychiatrist, observed a patient with a neurodegenerative disease, and her symptoms steadily progressed. These studies made it possible to differentiate the disease from other forms of dementia. Another name for the pathology is senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type.
Usually, such irreversible changes occur in people of the older age group - after 50 years. However, according toThe latest statistics show that the disease has become much younger, cases of Alzheimer's disease have been recorded in 40-year-old people. There are more than 40 million patients with this diagnosis in the world, and, according to WHO forecasts, this figure will only grow every year.
Until now, it has not been possible to establish the exact cause of the development of this disease, so even the latest drugs for Alzheimer's disease cannot completely cure this pathology.
Versions and preparations
Based on several hypotheses of scientists about the causes of brain dysfunctions, the principles of therapy for this disease have been developed.
One version of neurodegenerative disorders is a lack of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It takes an active part in the transmission of nerve impulses between brain cells, and its deficiency provokes the development of pathology. Based on this version, drugs were developed to increase the level of the neurotransmitter and thereby slow down the progression of the disease. However, clinical trials have found that these Alzheimer's drugs only reduce the severity of the clinical picture, but in no way affect the rate of development of the disease itself.
Today, the main version of the occurrence of disorders is considered to be amyloid. Through research, doctors found that patients with this diagnosis have deposits of beta-amyloid in the brain tissues, which leads to the development of the disease. But despite years of research inthis area, it has not been possible to establish why amyloid accumulates in brain tissues. Accordingly, it is still impossible to develop pharmacological preparations that would interfere with this process. Even the few experimental drugs that are known today have not been tested in clinical trials that could confirm their effectiveness in the treatment of this disease.
Recently, Finnish scientists have named a drug that provokes Alzheimer's disease. It turned out to be a drug used in the treatment of epilepsy, sodium valproate. It has been observed to negatively affect memory and other functions of the human brain.
Another hypothesis is a hereditary predisposition. It was found that if one person was diagnosed with "senile dementia" in the family, then with a high degree of probability such a disease can be diagnosed in his children or grandchildren. It is impossible to influence chromosomal disorders, but in this case, doctors recommend adhering to the principles of a he althy lifestyle and engaging in active intellectual activity. Thus, you can reduce the risk of pathology, but this also does not guarantee a 100% result.
What to do?
It must be remembered that suitable Alzheimer's medications can be prescribed by a qualified specialist. Self-selection of drugs can only aggravate the patient's condition and lead to his death. Timely diagnosis plays an important role in the effectiveness of therapy. Howthe earlier the disease is detected, the more likely it is to slow down the development of pathology and improve the quality of life of the patient.
Only an integrated approach will help slow down the decline in cognitive functions and behavioral disorders. The help and care of relatives and the creation of safe conditions for a person with such a disease is also very important. In some cases, doctors recommend using the services of professional nurses, because such a patient will not be able to independently take prescribed medications on time.
Donepezil ("Aricept")
Which medications will be prescribed for Alzheimer's depends on the stage of the disease. To increase the content of acetylcholine, Aricept can be prescribed. It is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that helps slow the breakdown of the neurotransmitter and improve cholinergic transmission.
It is justified at any stage of the development of the disease, as it improves cognitive function and reduces the severity of symptoms.
Rivastigmine (Exelon)
The active ingredient in Exelon is rivastigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor that prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine. It increases the level of the neurotransmitter in the structures of the hippocampus and normalizes the patient's cognitive functions. Also, rivastigmine can slow down the formation of the beta precursor of amyloid plaques.
The medicine is available in the form of capsules, oral solution and transdermal patch. The last option is the mostpreferred in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, as it eliminates the need to control the intake of pills in a strictly prescribed dosage and at a certain time.
The following side effects may occur while taking the drug:
- dizziness;
- nausea;
- diarrhea;
- abdominal pain;
- dyspepsia;
- allergic manifestations;
- drowsy;
- loss of appetite;
- depression and insomnia;
- tremor.
If there are such effects on the background of the use of the medication, you should consult your doctor about the advisability of further use of the drug.
Absolute contraindications to prescribing this medicine for Alzheimer's are the period of gestation and lactation, individual intolerance to the active substance.
Galantamine ("Reminyl")
This Alzheimer's drug has the same effect as the drugs described above: replenishing the deficiency of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and preventing the formation of amyloid plaques on brain cells.
The active ingredient was isolated from Voronov's snowdrop by Soviet scientists in 1951. Today it is part of many vital drugs, including "Reminil", which can be prescribed for Alzheimer's disease.
Produced in the form of tablets with a concentration of 4, 8, and 12 mg of the active ingredient. Covered with a whitish film casing, each has an engraving indicating the quantityactive component. Also available in capsule form with 8, 16, 24mg active.
Not recommended for use in patients with hypersensitivity to galantamine or severe hepatic or renal impairment. Studies on the effects of the drug on pregnant and lactating women have not been conducted, therefore, during these periods, the medicine can be prescribed only if absolutely necessary.
Reminil is prescribed for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's-type senile dementia.
Memantine
Memantine also belongs to substitution therapy drugs. It is produced under various trade names and belongs to the group of neurotropic drugs. Has a neuroprotective and anti-spastic effect.
"Memantine" helps to normalize the patient's mental activity and motor functions. It is prescribed for mild and moderate stages of pathology.
Contraindicated in patients with impaired renal function and hypersensitivity to the active substance of the drug. There may be dizziness, indigestion and other adverse reactions while taking the drug.
Which medication for Alzheimer's from the above list will be the most effective in a particular case, only a doctor can decide. You can not simultaneously take several drugs with the same therapeutic effect, this can lead to serious consequences, up toto death.
We deliberately do not give dosages of drugs that are dispensed by prescription, since only a specialist can do this, taking into account the patient's condition and the characteristics of the course of the disease
Antidepressants and neuroleptics
Drugs recommended as part of symptomatic treatment are also selected individually for each person. These medications help to minimize and sometimes completely eliminate conditions such as depression and psychotic disorders, which are quite common in people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
This includes antidepressants and neuroleptics. The former help to improve the psycho-emotional state of a person, the drug of choice is Tianeptine. But tricyclic antidepressants are not recommended for use, in older people they can increase the symptoms of the underlying disease.
Of the antipsychotics, "Sonapax", "Aminazine", "Tizercin" can be used. They have a calming effect, relieve spasticity and normalize sleep. Although drugs can be purchased without a prescription, they cannot be self-treated. Each has its own contraindications and side effects and may increase the symptoms of senile dementia.
Other symptomatic drugs
In addition, according to the decision of the doctor, amino acids and nootropics, calcium channel blockers and drugs that improve blood circulation in the vessels of the brain, as well asginkgo biloba extract and other folk remedies. Most commonly used:
- "Piribedil";
- "Actovegin";
- "Glycine";
- "Vinpocetine";
- "Phenotropil";
- "Nimodipine".
Conclusion
Perhaps in the coming years, a cure for Alzheimer's will be found, which will save thousands of lives of patients with this diagnosis. In the meantime, we can only hope for drugs that can slow down its development and improve the patient's quality of life.
