Does Alzheimer's medication work

 By: Ariana Walker 

 

Thinking about Alzheimer's the first thing that comes to mind is the loss of memory. The brain typically shrinks to some degree in healthy aging. Many neurons stop function properly which loses connections with other neurons and ends up dying.

The disease progresses to the middle stage of memory loss ,confusion, and may have problems recognizing family and friends. As the disease becomes more severe begin to lose the ability to communicate. They also will begin to lose weight and have trouble swallowing which they will end up needing totally care.

Scientists do not yet fully understand what is causing Alzheimer's disease in most people there most likely is a genetic component. “Just because a family member has Alzheimer's disease does not mean that you will get it, too. Most cases of Alzheimer's are late-onset. This form of the disease occurs in a person's mid-60s and is not linked to a specific change in genes, said Rachel.”

When it comes to the medications there are so many pills that are offered. One of the main medications for Alzheimer's is cholinesterase inhibitors. This drug is only for certain stages of Alzheimer's. To figure out what stages the person is in they will run a test and determine if it is for the patients. 

“One way Alzheimer's disease harms the brain is by decreasing levels of a chemical messenger (acetylcholine) that's important for alertness, memory, thought and judgment, said mayo clinic staff.” 

Cholinesterase can’t reverse the disease or stop the destruction of the nerves cells. The medication will eventually lose its effectiveness. This medicine has the most common side effects which is nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The way to avoid the side effect is to start with a low dose and work up to a higher dose.

The second medication that helps with the disease is memantine. Memantine is approved by the FDA to treat the later stages of the disease. “It works by regulating the activity of glutamate, a messenger chemical widely involved in brain functions — including learning and memory," said mayo clinic staff. It can be taken by pill or syrup. The side effects for this one can be dizziness, headache, and confusion.  

Alzheimer's medicine will not cure the disease, it only can improve quality of life and help prolong independence. Cholinesterase and Memantine are just two main medicines for Alzheimer’s there are plenty more but there still hasn’t been a cure found.