Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia in which healthy tissue in the brain begins to deteriorate, causing a person's memory to decrease and mental abilities to decline. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting more than 5 million people in the United States alone. Early symptoms include forgetting appointments and conversations, forgetting the names of friends and family members, and misplacing things. There is no cure or way to prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Early treatment of the condition is focused on delaying the progression of the illness.
Drug Treatment
Several drugs have been approved to treat people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Prescription medications galantamine (brand name Razadyne), donepezil (brand name Aricept) and rivastigmine (brand name Exelon) have all received FDA approval to help patients maintain their level of cognitive ability and prevent certain symptoms of Alzheimer's. Depending on the patient, symptoms can be delayed for anywhere for a few months to a few years. These drugs are called cholinesterase inhibitors, and they work by increasing neurotransmitter levels in the brain.
Healthy Lifestyle
Practicing healthy living can either prevent the development of Alzheimer's or delay the onset and worsening of symptoms. Getting plenty of physical exercise and eating a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein sources other than red meat can help some people delay symptoms.
Vitamin E
In some studies, Vitamin E has helped to slow the progression of Alzheimer's in people in the early stages of the disease. However, other studies have shown no benefit from Vitamin E supplements.
Gingko
Although studies have shown no true benefit, many people believe taking gingko biloba supplements can slow memory deterioration and other memory problems associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Huperzine A
Huperzine A is an herb made from a type of moss found in China, and it is believed to work similarly to the cholinesterase inhibitors prescribed to help treat people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Behavioral Treatments
Other treatment options for people early in the stages of Alzheimer's disease include modifying their home and lifestyle to help manage their condition. Strategies include involving the person in activities that can improve their skills, memory and habits, such as playing music or watching family videos, and modifying the home to improve the functioning of patients. This can involve placing pictures of familiar people, places and things around the home and limiting clutter and extraneous items in the living area.
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